Bridge closed to prevent jump

The Monroe Street Bridge was closed Thursday night while police and firefighters tried to help a man who appeared ready to jump.

The man was spotted about 7:20 p.m. sitting on the south end of the bridge with his legs over the side.

Police initially described him as agitated, but negotiators were later able to speak to him and obtain his name, which was not released.

Spokane police Officer Mike McCasland said the man is in his mid-30s.

A woman showed up on the bridge claiming to be his wife, but McCasland said her relationship with the man had not been confirmed.

About three hours after the incident began, and as a crowd of about 75 looked on, the man stood up and urinated.

He later sat back down.

Firefighter-paramedics were standing by, and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office’s dive team also was on the scene.

As of late Thursday, traffic was being rerouted to the Maple Street Bridge and the Washington Street Bridge.