HOLLYWOOD HILLS—Authorities responded to a man climbing the 160 foot KTLA radio tower in Hollywood on Wednesday, May 11 and spending approximately three hours trying to persuade him to come down.
A man police identified as “Chris” began climbing the tower at 4:45 p.m. –authorities shut down Sunset Boulevard from the 101 Freeway west to Gower Street.
A woman who recognized the man from the First Baptist Church of Hollywood saw the event unravel on television – she arrived at the scene hoping to help talk him down.
Authorities said the woman, Anita McMillan-Murphy, was essential in persuading him to climb down.
“When he was told that she was out here, he actually told our negotiators he would come down from the ledge he was on if she would come over and speak with him,” Aguilar told KTLA. McMillan-Murphy said she promised she would help him and give him a hug.
The man was handcuffed and taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation once he reached the ground. It is still unclear why he climbed the tower.
“He’s a good man, he’s just got some problems,” McMillan-Murphy told KTLA. “Of course, we’re hoping that this will be peacefully resolved and we can get him to come down, but we do have the Fire Department on scene in case he does decide to jump,” Aguilar said at the scene. “It does appear as though he’s taking his time up there.”
A crisis negotiation team and mental health team responded, according to Detective Meghan Aguilar. Three inflatable cushions were placed at the base of the tower.
Just before 7 p.m. two fire engines extended their ladders toward the tower and negotiators approached the man in an effort to talk him down – he responded to them, but turned and climbed several feet higher.
The individual was not arrested and no charges are expected to be filed, according to authorities.
