PORTLAND, Ore. — A man in an apparent mental health crisis climbed down from a crane in Southeast Portland about four hours after he ascended to the top.
The 290-foot crane is at the intersection of Southeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and East Burnside. The crane was demobilized and the power was turned off after police learned the man had climbed it.
Crisis negotiators from Portland police were in contact with the man throughout the time he was on top of the crane. Emergency responders climbed to the top of the crane multiple times to try to help the man down.
Portland police said the man was safely taken into custody around 6:30 p.m.
Traffic was affected in the area while police responded.
Help is available for community members struggling from a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts. Suicide is preventable.
The Multnomah County Mental Health Call Center is available 24 hours a day at 503-988-4888.
If you or someone you know needs help with suicidal thoughts or is otherwise in an immediate mental health crisis, please visit Cascadia or call 503-963-2575. Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare has an urgent walk-in clinic, open from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., 7 days a week. Payment is not necessary.
Lines for Life is also available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Information about the Portland Police Bureau's Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) and additional resources can be found by visiting http://portlandoregon.gov/police/bhu