EPD releases details about woman"dangling off the railings" who had climbed to the top.of the water tower

I contacted Eureka Police Department PIO Laura Montagna and as I was doing this post, the press release went out. The incident started around 6:05 p.m.

A reader and someone I know well for years asked me to follow up with EPD about an incident they personally witnessed from their residence. They were concerned about the woman.

They said around 8:30 p.m. last night, they observed a woman was on top of the water tower near Harrison and I and EPD was talking to her.

EPD Press Release:

On December 29, 2024, at about 1805 hours, Eureka Police Department responded to Wood and L Streets for an adult female in crisis who climbed to the top of the water tower. At times, the distraught female dangled off the railings by her hands. 

Based on the magnitude and complexity of the situation, Humboldt Bay Fire (HBF), City Ambulance, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negotiations Team Deputies (CNT), the Community Safety Engagement Team Mental Health Officer (CSET-MIST), the Crisis Alternative Response of Eureka Managing Mental Health Clinician (CARE), and a HCSO drone were called to assist. The United States Coast Guard and CHP were also contacted. 

After three hours of negotiations, the female voluntarily climbed down the water tower. After being medically assessed, the female was placed on a mental health hold and transported to a local facility for care.  

The Eureka Police Department would like to thank HBF, City Ambulance, CARE, and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during this incident.