Police say Lewiston man’s actions shut down Blue Bridge

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Story Published: Nov 17, 2009 at 11:24 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 17, 2009 at 11:24 PM PDT

By Matt Loveless

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LEWISTON - A Lewiston man was arrested Monday night after causing a scene that forced the closure of the Interstate Bridge.

Police said 28-year-old Jesse Hanatsch was arrested at about 9:00 p.m. after he allegedly was running into traffic, and spitting and shouting profanities at cars in the 100 block of Main Street in Lewiston.

According to witness statements, Hanatsch then moved to the bridge and was threatening to jump. At one point he reportedly claimed to have an explosive device. Police determined that wasn't the case, they contacted Hanatsch and after a confrontation, arrested him for misdemeanor public nuisance.

"He took his cell phone out of his pocket and he threw it across the road," said Lewiston Police Captain Tom Greene. "When he went over to pick that up he wasn't paying any attention to the officers, and they grabbed him at that point, took him to the ground, and arrested him. The officers indicated that he appeared to be intoxicated, and was making some irrational statements."

A Nez Perce County Marine Deputy was also on scene, responding to Hanatsch's threat to jump from the bridge.

The incident forced traffic to detour around the bridge for about a half hour.

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