Topless maniac sparks California freeway chaos by scaling bridge, snarling traffic

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Orange County commuters were stunned Monday when a topless woman clung to a sign hanging over a freeway.

The woman had climbed on to the exit sign platform above the 55 Freeway in Santa Ana during the evening rush hour.

Officials from California Highway Patrol and the Orange County Fire Authority needed to shut down northbound and southbound lanes at an overpass south of 17th Street to mount a rescue effort.

It took more than two and a half hours for officials to coax her down after setting up a cushion below and raising a fire ladder. At one point, the woman threatened to jump from the sign, officials said.

The woman eventually stepped into the arms of first responders on a raised platform, ending the ordeal. Officials say she was taken to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation.

“After approximately 2.5 hours of negotiations, SAPD Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) members were able to convince the woman to surrender.

“She was safely brought down with assistance from Orange County Fire Authority and taken to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation,” the Santa Police Department wrote on Facebook.

“Thank you to everyone for your patience as officers worked to bring this situation to a safe resolution.”

It’s unclear if the woman will face any charges. Santa Ana is one of the largest cities in Orange County and is located about 32 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

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