Home Antioch Updated: CHP Talks Down Jumper off Antioch Bridge

Updated: CHP Talks Down Jumper off Antioch Bridge

by ECT

At around 8:15 pm Tuesday, a man reportedly rode his motorcycle up northbound I-160 onto the Antioch Bridge, parked at the top and was threatening to jump.

As a result, a severe traffic alert was ordered as all lanes of traffic have been shut down as CHP was speaking to the man hoping for a peaceful resolution.

By 8:50, a water rescue was requested as a precaution and CHP was still in talks with the man hoping to talk him down.

By 8:56 pm, it was being reported that the “jumper” had left the scene and all additional units were cancelled.

By 9:05 pm, CHP confirmed they had escorted a man down the bridge. No further details were released.

Update per CHP:

ANTIOCH BRIDGE JUMPER INCIDENT

On Tuesday night, April 23, 2019, at about 7:58 PM, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a man on the Antioch Bridge (SR-160), sitting on the northbound railing, at midspan, along with a motorcycle parked on the right shoulder. Upon CHP arrival, traffic on the bridge was stopped and a second man was there attempting to talk the possible jumper down.

Shortly after CHP arrival, we learned of the identity of the jumper and the man he had called his friend that was trying to talk him down. The jumper related to CHP that if any police got close or tried to approach him, he would jump off the bridge. So we maintained our distance and encouraged the friend to talk to the jumper. We then also shut down the Antioch Bridge on both sides and called in the US Coast Guard, Contra Costa fire Department, Antioch Police Department, and the Contra Costa sheriffs departments crisis negotiator.

The friend continued to speak with the jumper and the jumper related if police would let him go, then he would get back on his motorcycle and ride away. However, if they would try to stop him, he would flee or ride back onto the bridge and jump. We then made the decision to allow the jumper to leave on his motorcycle but would follow him at a safe distance and contact once far away from the bridge. The jumper agreed and rode his motorcycle south on the bridge and exited at Wilbur and drove into the city of Antioch, with units at a safe distance keeping a close watch. He rode his motorcycle through the city of Antioch, finally coming to a stop at D Street & W. 6th Street. It was there that CHP contacted the jumper spoke to him for about 15 minutes. He was then safely taken into custody without further incident & no injuries.

The man was then admitted to the Contra Costa County Psychiatric Hospital for a 5150 hold.

Through The investigation, we learned that the man (49yr old man from Brentwood) had prior police contact and had been admitted for prior 5150 before. The entire incident was clear at about 8:47 PM. And the Antioch Bridge was completely closed for approximately 30 minutes during this incident.

We are thankful that the jumper’s friend was there to help and speak with him and that our units on scene maintained cool level heads, which ultimately led to a safe self surrender and the man being admitted to the hospital for the help he needs. Thank you to all Allied agencies that were on scene that assisted with this incident.

If you find yourself in need of help or think there’s no other options for you, please reach out to talk to someone or call this number for Help; 1-800-273-TALK

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3 comments

Jim Marchetti Apr 24, 2019 - 7:21 am

Very happy to hear that they managed to calm them and resolve the situation positively.

I pray that they will find whatever it is that they need to put them at peace in their life.

Jg Apr 25, 2019 - 12:24 pm

Who has the real correct news? I am reading
“ Friend talks down Brentwood man threatening to jump off East Bay Bridge”. The highway patrol said. This is in another news site.

So what was it ? Friend or CHP ?

Or a Friend and CHP Officer……….

I love ECT but what’s the correct report?

Simonpure Apr 26, 2019 - 12:43 pm

Shortly after CHP arrival, we learned of the identity of the jumper and the man he had called his friend that was trying to talk him down. The jumper related to CHP that if any police got close or tried to approach him, he would jump off the bridge. So we maintained our distance and encouraged the friend to talk to the jumper.

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