Maryland State Police Headquarters
Pikesville, Maryland
mdsp.maryland.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2017
SUSPECT HOSPITALIZED AFTER ATTEMPTED SUICIDE AND BOMB THREAT
(OXON HILL, MD) – A man is being treated at a nearby hospital after an apparent bomb threat and attempted suicide today, closing the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in both directions.
The man is not being identified at this time. He is being guarded by troopers at George Washington Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment currently. Charges against him are pending.
At 2:00 p.m. today, Virginia State Police received a 9-1-1 call from a motorist, reporting a man who was getting ready to jump off of the southbound side of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Maryland State Police from the Forestville Barrack were immediately dispatched to the location.
Upon their arrival, the man had already jumped over the bridge. Shortly after he jumped into the Potomac River, emergency responders from the Metropolitan Police Department’s D.C. Harbor Patrol rescued him. He was transported to the hospital by an Alexandria Medic Unit ambulance.
The preliminary investigation indicates the man was driving a tan 2016 Toyota Corolla around 2:00 p.m. today on the inner loop of I-495 in Prince George’s County. When he arrived at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, he pulled over about one half of a mile onto the bridge and parked his car on the right shoulder.
Witnesses tell police he made mention of having a bomb inside his vehicle as he approached the edge of the bridge. Police believe he also called 9-1-1 prior to jumping, stating he had a bomb in his vehicle.
Lanes on both sides of the bridge were shut down for about ninety minutes, while personnel from the Prince George’s County Fire Department’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal searched for the presence of any hazardous explosive devices. Once the area was rendered safe, lanes were reopened for traffic.
Personnel from the Virginia State Police and U.S. Park Police responded to the scene for assistance. Maryland Department of Transportation personnel also responded to assist with lane closures.
Investigators from the Maryland State Police urge anyone with information relevant to this case to contact Forestville Barrack at 301-568-8101. There are no further details at this time. The investigation continues…
CONTACT:Elena Russo
Office of Media Communications
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