from the San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Suicidal man dumps cash on Glendora freeways
Posted: 08/16/2009 05:10:38 PM PDT
An emotionally disturbed man dumped cash out on two freeways in Glendora Sunday, prompting motorists to pull over and try to pick up the money from the roadway, authorities said.
The 56-year-old man, whose name was not released, then went to the Azusa Police Department where he told officials he wanted to commit suicide, Azusa police Lt. Steve Hunt said in a written statement.
The incident began about 11:50 a.m. when the man started throwing money out of his car on the westbound 210 Freeway between the 57 Freeway and Grand Avenue, California Highway Patrol Sgt. Kurt Stormes said.
Six or seven vehicles pulled over, and about 10 people ran into traffic lanes to grab up the cash, Stormes said.CHP officers recovered about $1,000 from the freeway, in 20-, 50- and 100-dollar bills, he added.
Officials ask that anyone who picked up some of the money to turn it into the Azusa Police Department so it can be returned to the man.
Police also cautioned motorists against trying to pick up money on the freeway.
Please do not stop on the freeway to look for money,” the police statement said. “Stopping on the freeway can be hazardous or even fatal.”