Suicidal Man Shuts Down I-5 Near Vancouver

Authorities say a suicidal man on an Interstate 5 overpass in Vancouver, Washington, prompted them to shut down the freeway for several hours Friday night, backing up traffic for miles.

The Columbian reports the incident started about 6 p.m. and police took the man into custody shortly before 9 p.m. He was taken to a hospital and State Patrol troopers reopened the freeway.

Troopers earlier halted and diverted freeway traffic while crisis negotiators talked with the man, who was threatening to jump off the overpass.

Southbound traffic backed up to the suburb of Hazel Dell while northbound traffic backed up into north Portland, Oregon.

Electronic signs along the freeway alerted motorists to the closures.