Police: Naked man climbs 300-foot crane, drops heavy objects
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Police negotiated for 10 hours Sunday with an allegedly suicidal man who stood atop a 300-foot construction crane, repeatedly throwing objects to the ground, reports CBS Miami.
Police in Hollywood, Florida were first called to the area around the crane around 3 a.m. Sunday. They encountered 27-year-old Travis Bernard, who they said was naked and throwing construction equipment and other items down to the ground. The objects ranged from small pieces of plastic and metal to 100-lb. steel weights, used to counter-balance the crane.
"They were very loud," said nearby resident Jerry Muller. "I saw several he threw down. They were like heavy, heavy metal things."
The situation disrupted traffic in the area as officers established a large perimeter to protect everyone from falling debris. At one point, police also created a hoist to give Bernard food, water and clothing.
Police said city property was damaged during the incident.
Negotiators eventually convinced Bernard to climb down from the crane. He was then taken into custody.
Bernard was medically cleared at the hospital and charged with criminal mischief, vandalism and trespassing. He is being held involuntarily so medical professionals can monitor is mental health, according to officials.
