A 40-year old Manitowoc man was taken into protective custody after he climbed a communications tower in downtown Manitowoc and stayed there for nearly 9 hours. Police chief Nick Reimer says the initial report came in about 5:00 Wednesday afternoon.
Despite efforts from police officers, crisis negotiators from the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office and a tower rescue unit from Appleton, the distraught man climbed to the top of the tower – an estimated 150-feet. He was drinking and throwing cans into the parking lot below and at one point made reference to a weapon in his possession. Reimer said two men were able to break police barriers and encouraged him to jump.
The male was coaxed down about 2:00 Thursday morning and received treatment for exposure to the cold at a local hospital. He faces possible charges of criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.
WTAQ