For close to 60 hours, a man police have only identified as William, age 25, has been atop the radio and television tower outside FOX23's studios and the Clear Channel building in East Tulsa. It all started Thursday when he sneaked onto the roof of the building, and now this has turned into the longest standoff ever for Tulsa police.
FOX23's Danica Lawrence visited with business owners nearby, and says they're concerned about the crowds that have shown up to watch. They're clogging parking lots, and police fear it's that attention that's keeping William on the tower.
"It's been crazy busy, there's been so many new customers coming in people are fighting for the booths by the window," said Dariela Mercado, co-owner of Speedy's Mexican restaurant. "It was getting a little chaotic, people weren't able to get in."
Her restaurant- now a hot spot for gawkers-- unable to tear their eyes away from who Dariela now calls "Towerman," as he's known in a Twitter "hash tag." She's even used police to keep the crowds under control.
"Kind of vandalizing the restroom," she said. "We've had to hire and bring in more employees."
Officers have their hands full with keeping the crowds in and out of nearby Whataburger's parking lot, and discouraging parents who have brought children.
"It's just in good taste, good parenting, to not put your kids in a situation where if this guy were to fall, they were to see it, gosh knows what kind of damage that could do to the rest of your life," said TPD Capt. Rick Helburg.
TPD notes that William has suffered from mental illness and bizarre behavior patterns.
"Up there on that deal requires a tremendous amount of energy, it's not an easy climb to get up there, and we are not even sure what his ability is physically without food and water for a great amount of time if he's even capable of climbing down," said Capt. Helburg.
EMSA tells Danica the last time William drank anything was 42 hours ago (Friday morning)--- and he has been battling the storms and the heat for three days.
"Really trying to downplay it," says Capt. Helburg. "Really trying to make it boring for him."
As much as Dariela enjoys the boom in her business, she wants this to end well- soon.
"Heard the negotiator first talking to him and then the preacher but apparently he is not ready to come down," she said.
Police say they'll talk with William every 30 minutes. EMSA says this will turn into a rescue situation once William does not respond and looks unconscious.
