At 9:35 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, Winslow police officers were dispatched to the area of Hipkoe Drive at the I-40 bridge to investigate a report of somebody sitting on the top of the safety fence. When officers arrived, they found a 31-year-old man on the top of the fence, who was making threats to harm himself by jumping onto I-40. The first officer on scene maintained contact with the man in an effort to have him return to safety. Backup officers took immediate action to restrict access to the area and redirect traffic on I-40.
A WPD negotiator arrived on scene at 9:44 p.m. and was successful in resolving the situation with the man climbing down from the fence. The man was transported by ambulance to the Little Colorado for treatment and evaluation. The Hipkoe Drive bridge and I-40 were re-opened at 10:26 p.m.
WPD is committed to suicide prevention and awareness. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 1-844-534-HOPE (4673) or the WPD non-emergency number at 928-289-1433. For emergencies call 911. Another resource is the National Alliance on Mental Illness 1-800-950-6264, or from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., text “helpline” to 62640. Call or text 9-8-8 for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
