Woman standing on building ledge prompts police to close 2nd Avenue

A woman in a pink sweat suit who stood on the fourth-floor ledge of the Josephinum apartments downtown for four hours Friday morning, went safely back inside at noon.

Police blocked traffic for about a block on Second Avenue downtown, between Virginia and Stewart streets from 8:20 a.m. until just before noon while officers and caseworkers tried to talk the woman into coming back inside.

Small crowds watched from sidewalk corners. Some took pictures, others said they were using their cameras to zoom in and get a better look at the woman. People cheered when the woman finally went back inside the apartment window.

Jane Treeheal watched the woman for about three hours from table outside Caffe D'Arte, across the street from the building. She said she was on her way home, but felt compelled to stop and say some prayers for the woman. She was relieved when the woman went back inside.

"I just wanted to see her go in and be safe," Treeheal said.