Distraught man removed from top of Town Center building

VIRGINIA BEACH

A man who threatened to harm himself on top of a building in Town Center was taken into custody without incident today, police said.

The distraught man called Beach emergency communications at 11:52 a.m. and told a dispatcher he was standing on top of the Pender and Coward law firm building, depressed over work and family issues, according to police spokesman Adam Bernstein.

The dispatcher remained on the phone with the man until police arrived at the building, on Central Avenue. Officers established a rapport with the man and allowed him to use a cellular phone, Bernstein said.

The situation ended peacefully at 12:44 p.m. No injuries were reported.

Police are seeking a temporary detention order for the man to undergo a psychological evaluation. The man apparently gained entry to the roof through a vent, Bernstein said.