TENSE SCENE at Edinger Avenue and San Diego Freeway (HBPD photo).
A tense situation in which a person was “experiencing a mental health crisis” on the Edinger Avenue overpass of the San Diego (405) Freeway in Huntington Beach on Thursday ended safety.
According to the HBPD, the incident took place around 1 p.m,. A man had climbed along the exterior of the fencing. Edinger Avenue and the north- and south-bound lanes of the freeway were closed while officers worked to resolve the situation safely.
Anaheim Fire and Rescue responded with its Rapid Air Cushion in case the man attempted to leap off the overpass.
The HBPD Crisis Negotiation Team Responded and spoke to the man for more than two hours.
They eventually convinced the man to safely come down and accept assistance.
Assistance was provided by the Huntington Beach Fire Department, Anaheim Fire and Rescue, Westminster Police Department and California Highway Patrol.
Anyone struggling with mental health challenges or a crisis can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day.
Categories: Huntington Beach
Thank you, HBPD, HB Fire, Anaheim Fire and CHip. You all showed compassion and a commitment to caring.
We watched this man from the apt complex next to the overpass. He scared us.
We were thrilled when the airbag arrived but petrified when he moved further from it. But you never gave up. You never got angry. You proved that being present and listening works.
Thank you each and all.