Anaheim: Jumper Stalls Traffic, Forces Freeway Closure

First responders attempt to coax a freeway jumper into surrendering. Photos by CalTrans District 12.

01.23.2022 | 8:52 PM | ANAHEIM – A man who was threatening to jump from a bridge over a freeway caused traffic to stall as authorities shut down traffic in the area for hours, Sunday night.

Callers reported the man climbing a light pole and onto the other side of a fence on Harbor Boulevard over the I-5 Freeway around 8:52 PM, according to a CHP incident log.

Authorities tried to coax the man to surrender but he apparently refused to comply prompting a hours long standoff.

Firefighters were on scene with a rapid air cushion, also referred to as a RAC, under the bridge in case the man jumped.

Both directions of the freeway were closed for hours as the incident unfolded but northbound lanes were later opened around 10:30 PM.

As of 1:45 AM Monday morning all southbound lanes of the I-5 Freeway were closed at Harbor Boulevard along with all lanes of Harbor Boulevard over the freeway until further notice while authorities continued try and safely remove the man.

Miles Madison

Miles started reporting breaking news in 2015 and has been providing high-quality news video and timely reports from the Orange County area ever since. Combining his experience as a seasoned photojournalist, radio operator and sleuth, Miles provides unrivaled multimedia news reports.