Police closed the Chisholm Park Bridge on Portland Street in Rumford to vehicle and pedestrian traffic Wednesday morning after a man with a handgun who appeared to be distraught and alone in a vehicle threatened to take his own life.

The 55-year-old Jay man later fatally shot himself, according to a post on the Rumford Police Department Facebook page.

About 7:48 a.m. a passing motorist reported a man seated alone in a vehicle stopped in the opposing lane of traffic in the middle of the bridge, Rumford police Chief Tony Milligan wrote on Facebook.

“When the motorist stopped to check on the individual, the man appeared distraught and displayed a handgun, indicating his intent to take his own life,” he wrote.

The motorist immediately contacted 911. Rumford police and other agencies responded. Police made repeated attempts to establish verbal contact with the man and tried to de-escalate the situation using a public address system, according to police.

About 8:23 a.m., the man raised a semi-automatic handgun and fatally shot himself. He was pronounced deceased at the scene, police wrote.

“Only one shot was fired, and no shots were fired by law enforcement,” police wrote.

The bridge, also known locally as Memorial Bridge, was reopened to vehicle and pedestrian traffic about 9:30 a.m.

Assisting Rumford police officers were the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office, Rumford Fire Department and MedCare Ambulance.

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an examination, which is routine.

Milligan encouraged anyone experiencing emotional distress, thoughts of suicide, or a behavioral health crisis to seek help. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is free, confidential, and stigma-free.

Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or call 1-888-568-1112. Trained crisis specialists are available to provide immediate support and help individuals and families navigate what is often a temporary but overwhelming crisis.

Milligan said no further information would be released.

IF YOU NEED HELP 

IF YOU or someone you know is in immediate danger, dial 911.

FOR ASSISTANCE during a mental health crisis, call or text 888-568-1112. To call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, call 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.

FOR MORE SUPPORT, call the NAMI Maine Help Line at 800-464-5767 or email [email protected].

OTHER Maine resources for mental health, substance use disorder and other issues can be found by calling 211.