Woman coaxed from bridge

9/6/2008

Toledo firefighters yesterday coaxed an east-side woman from the Anthony Wayne Bridge after she threatened to jump, authorities said.

Marilyn Hemminger, 44, of Oswald Street climbed a cable to the top of the bridge s east tower where a passer-by saw her about 3 a.m. and called 911.

Firefighters arrived a short time later, climbed the tower, and negotiated with her before she agreed about 4:30 a.m. to come down, authorities said.

The bridge was closed during the incident.

Ms. Hemminger, who was charged with disorderly conduct-intoxication and inducing panic, was taken to the Lucas County jail.

At her arraignment later in Toledo Municipal Court, Judge Robert Christiansen found her guilty of inducing panic after she pleaded no contest.

The judge took the charge of disorderly conduct-intoxication off the docket upon recommendation of the prosecutor.

Ms. Hemminger was given a suspended six-month jail sentence, with active probation for 12 months beginning yesterday. As part of the condition of her probation, she will be evaluated by a mental health professional.