Police arrest crane climber at downtown Calgary construction site

CALGARY – Police say they have arrested a man who climbed a 26-storey crane at a downtown Calgary construction site and occupied its cab for most of the morning.

The incident, which began just before 7 a.m. Monday, caused the closure of a major thoroughfare during the morning commute.

The fire department, emergency medical services and a number of police units, including tactical officers and negotiators, were called out.

The man was safely lowered to the ground just before noon with the help of the fire department’s high-angle team.

Fire department spokeswoman Carol Henke said the man was brought down from the crane using a harness.

“We have harnesses that are suited for any type of high-angle application… Safety is our number one concern and our high-angle team is very well trained,” she said.

Police say they don’t know why the man climbed the crane or if they will lay charges.

— with files from CFFR