x
Breaking News
More () »

Man scales TV tower in Orlando

The man is climbing the tower outside of the WKMG studios on John Young Parkway.
Generic Developing Story image

A man climbed to the top of a television station tower on John Young Parkway in Orange County on Wednesday and was refusing to come down.

WESH 2 News confirmed the man came down Wednesday evening and was put into a rescue unit.

The man, whose identity is still unconfirmed, was on that tower for over seven hours, through extreme heat, a thunderstorm and an attempt by two firefighters to reach him.

For hours, crisis negotiators used a bullhorn to try to coax the man they believe may be named "Alex" down from a 400-foot television tower.

In a neighboring church parking lot, people watched and worried.

"I've been praying the entire time for this man to come down, prayer is powerful. I'm a true believer," witness France Neil said.

Police say around 11 a.m., an employee of the television station saw the man jump the fence that surrounds the 400-foot tower and start climbing it.

About four hours into the standoff, two Orlando firefighters tried to climb up to the man to offer him a safety harness, but that caused the man to scurry all the way to the top, so they retreated.

In an attempt to get the man to come down, crews removed the presence of all the fire rescue personnel, as well as some officers, with the hope that might coax him down.

Investigators believe the man is in his 40s. They say they found a backpack with the name Alex in it near the tower. They contacted Alex's brother, but say they still don't know if the man on the tower is Alex. WESH 2 News is working to gather new details.

We want to remind you that help is always available for anyone in crisis. There is someone to talk to 24-7 on the suicide prevention lifeline. The number to call is 1-800-273-8255. Resources are available to people in distress, as well as loved ones.

This is a developing story. 

RELATED: First Coast News has a new app, download it here

Before You Leave, Check This Out