April 28, 2006

Police foil parachuter's Empire State jump from ledge

The host of Discovery Channel's "Stunt Junkies" on Thursday afternoon was grabbed by security and handcuffed to the outer ledge of the Empire State Building's 86th floor observatory deck where he was preparing to "base jump" with a parachute down to 33rd Street.

Jeb Corliss entererd the skyscraper wearing a fat suit, latex mask and gray wig, which he removed in the bathroom before heading to the ledge. He escaped from one secrutiy guard but climbed over fence to reach his perch before other security caught his gear and eventually cuffed him, accoring to numerous media reports including the Associated Press and Newsday.

"It's New York City, it's rush hour. It is not the time to jump off buildings," building official Timothy Donohue told the Daily News.

He was charged with crimes including reckless endangerment, assault and resisting arrest.

More from the Daily News:

"I wouldn't describe him as a daredevil," said NYPD Deputy Inspector James McCarthy. "I would describe him as an individual who obviously showed a depraved indifference for human life.

"In the worst case scenario, his parachute doesn't open and he kills a number of people walking by."

April 28, 2006 07:14 AM in Sightsology

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