Man Comes Down From I-244 Sign After 7 Hours

A man who has been on top of a sign over I-244 in Tulsa has finally come down after hours of negotiation.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers, Tulsa Police, and more worked to bring down the man down from the top of the sign over southbound I-244 near Exit 3B. Police say the man didn't appear to be intoxicated a the time but said they need to investigate. They were sure he was going through some kind of crisis. The man climbed down the sign around 3:45 p.m. on his own power.

They say the man wanted to talk to a law enforcement officer from Bartlesville, arrived at the scene after a few hours. Officer Andre Baul was one of the negotiators and says the man is being cooperative to an extent.

"He was a bit incoherent in the beginning, stated that he was thirsty, so we gave him some water. After that, he began to engage with us a little bit more. Started talking to us a little bit more, stated he had some things he wanted to work out."

The man's condition is not known at this time.

Police said that their main focus was safety.

"Anytime that we go rushing in, all we do is compound the situation, we make it worse," Baul said. "You could get somebody hurt, because that is the main thing we are looking at, is safety. We want to make sure that they're safe, that we're safe, that the citizens are safe. And rushing in and trying to turn up the temperature on something, makes it worse. It not only poses a danger to them, but us too."

This is a developing story, stay with News On 6 for the latest updates.

Crews have closed down a portion of both I-444 and I-244 while they work to secure the scene.

CLICK HERE To View The News On 6 Traffic Map For The Latest Traffic Updates

It is our policy to provide resources for anybody considering self-harm when reporting about a situation involving suicide or a suicide attempt. 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255.

The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) connect veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.

Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HELLO to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.