Would-be Jumper Closes TD Bridge for 4 Hours on Monday
By Joshuah Albert
The Dalles, Ore., May 19, 2026 — Law enforcement officers pulled a 45-year-old Oregon man to safety Monday afternoon after he climbed over the railing of The Dalles Bridge and threatened to jump, according to the Oregon State Police.
The incident shut down traffic on the bridge for approximately four hours, disrupting travel between Oregon and Washington while negotiators worked to convince the man to come back over the railing. Authorities said officers eventually were able to pull him to safety.
According to an Oregon State Police log, The Dalles Police Department initially received reports of a man threatening self-harm around 3:18 p.m. Monday. Officers located the man on the bridge, where he allegedly climbed over the railing and threatened to jump.
Police later identified the man to be a resident of the Gorge.
After being brought to safety, the 45-year-old was taken into custody on a police officer hold and transported to Adventist Health Columbia Gorge for evaluation by crisis workers. Authorities reported he was heavily intoxicated.
Agencies assisting during the incident included the Oregon State Police, Klickitat County Sheriff's Office, Washington State Patrol, Mid-Columbia Center for Living, Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation
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