A man found hanging Saturday night from the Thor Street overpass on Interstate 90 was taken into protective custody.

Traffic on the freeway was stopped in both directions while Spokane police officers and firefighters and the Washington State Patrol removed the man, who made suicidal statements.

The man climbed out onto the side of the overpass just after 7 p.m. A passing animal protection officer saw the man and stopped to offer help.

Police negotiators coaxed the man to safety. He is being held pending a mental evaluation.