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Suicide Threats From Top Of Crane Bring Stockton Courthouse Construction To Standstill

STOCKTON (CBS13) — The construction work being done on the new Stockton courthouse is surrounded by a chainlink fence, but construction crews said a distraught man slipped in the site through a gap and quickly climbed 13 stories of the first crane. Stockton police said the man allegedly threatened to jump over a dispute with his girlfriend.

Signs were posted warning of video surveillance, but no one physically stopped the man from climbing the crane. Turner Construction didn't respond to security inquiries on Tuesday.

"When the workers saw him climbing up the side of the crane, they did the right thing and called 911," said Stockton Police spokesman Joe Silva. "And got our officers out here immediately."

When police and fire showed up, so did the crowds of onlookers. People said they had places to go, but felt they had to stop and watch the outcome.

"I was taking my daughter to Denny's for her birthday when people on the street were saying there was a guy on top of the crane," said Edward Brott.

Anthony Robinson was recording the incident on his cell phone.

"I was supposed to go out to the gym, but I've seen all of this stuff and I have a love for film, so I was like I got to get this," said Robinson.

The crane operator was asked by police to stay locked in his cab, but he did manage to lower his two-way radio down to the man below him, so he could speak with a police negotiator.

"We're not going to send anyone up the crane, just for our safety," said Silva."That's why we're fortunate that we do have two-way communication so we can have contact with him."

Despite the danger, most onlookers said they wanted to see a happy ending.

"The first time that he came down the first floor everyone was clapping and being happy," said Griselda Romera who watched the man climb down two flights before he stopped and talked more with the police negotiator.

The man eventually climbed down on his own. Stockton Police said he'd be medically evaluated and receive the help that he needs.

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