The Trans-Canada Highway at Helmcken Road was closed in both directions Friday afternoon while West Shore RCMP responded to a mental-health call.
A man climbed over the guardrail at the Helmcken overpass. It appeared he might jump into traffic heading into town.
A motorcyclist saw the man and sat and talked to him until police arrived. Officers took the distressed man into custody.
The incident took place about 3 p.m. and lasted about 30 minutes.
Expect additional congestion in the Helmcken area of #BCHWY1 during the afternoon rush due to earlier police incident #yyjtraffic
— Van Island District (@TranBCVanIsle) August 18, 2017
We now have one individual in custody at Helmcken Rd overpass. No risk to public safety. Roads to be re-opened shortly. #yyjtraffic
— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) August 18, 2017