East Toledo man is talked out of jumping from Anthony Wayne Bridge

7/31/2008

The Anthony Wayne Bridge was closed for almost 45 minutes during the evening rush hour yesterday as authorities rescued a man threatening to jump off the bridge.

Charles S. Lewis, 41, of East Toledo, was being held in the Lucas County jail last night on misdemeanor charges of inducing panic and disorderly conduct.

A motorist spotted Mr. Lewis climbing the suspension cables on the bridge's east end at about 5:20 p.m., Toledo police Sgt. Patrick Skinner said.

Authorities closed the bridge. But before two crisis negotiators could be placed in harnesses to reach the man, he came down voluntarily about 6 p.m., Sergeant Skinner said.

The bridge was reopened minutes later.