Part of the Marsha Sharp Freeway was closed for seven hours early Monday morning (Jan. 14th, 2019) from midnight to 7 a.m.

This interrupted many folks' work commute. However, the reason for the closing was a public safety issue. A man threatened to jump from an overpass, which could have resulted in not only injury to himself, but also any person in a vehicle under him.

This is the Lubbock Police Department's statement from their Facebook page:

We know that shutting down parts of Marsha Sharp this morning interrupted many people's commute to work or school, but we appreciate your patience. Here's why we had to shut it down:

Just after midnight, the Lubbock Police Department received reports of a possible suicidal person on the Marsha Sharp Freeway flyover to South Loop 289.

Officers arrived on scene and located a male on the flyover. As officers tried to speak with the male, he crossed the retainer wall of the flyover and refused to move from the edge.

As a safety precaution, the flyover and parts of Marsha Sharp Freeway were shut down.

More than a dozen Lubbock police officers and LPD negotiators responded to the scene. Throughout the night, LPD negotiators continued to work with the male to bring him to safety. At approximately 7 a.m., after nearly seven hours, LPD negotiators were able to successfully get the man to step away from the edge. The male was then transported to the hospital for treatment.

This is just one of the many ways our negotiators use their skills to help bring peaceful resolutions to high stress and intense situations - no matter how long it takes. Thanks for being patient with us this morning on your drive.

Thank you to the Lubbock Police Department staff for their tireless efforts. Because of them, this man is alive, and no one else was hurt in the process.

If you or someone you love is suicidal, please get help immediately. You are so precious and worthwhile and your life is important. Call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline to find the resources you need, or visit the official National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.

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