Topless woman in custody after climbing crane near Toronto waterfront

Emergency crews had to deal with another crane girl on Thursday morning, but the latest high climber was topless and “hysterical,” making the rescue more difficult.

Toronto Police received calls around 6:30 a.m. that a woman had climbed up into the cab of a crane at a construction site at Lake Shore Blvd. and Dan Leckie Way, east of Bathurst St.

The woman, thought to be in her 20s, climbed the building under construction and then up another 15 metres to the operator’s cab of the crane.

The emergency task force negotiating team along with Toronto Fire worked to get her down.

“The crews went up to talk to her but she didn’t want to comply. It makes a big difference when you are trying to get someone down and they aren’t co-operating,” deputy fire Chief William Bygrove said.

#cranerescue update: Woman in custody now being taken to hospital, according to Toronto Fire officials  @CTVToronto pic.twitter.com/mj5i8GDUoZ

— Ian Caldwell (@iancaldwellCTV) August 16, 2018

The construction site isn’t operational at night, but does have security. It’s not clear how she gained access.

During the two hours it took to rescue the woman, Bygrove said the woman was out of control.

“She did damage, pulling out wires and throwing things,” he said.

Eventually, the woman was calmed down enough for rescuers to get her into a T-shirt and a harness. She was handcuffed and taken to hospital via a police car for assessment.

“I have no reason to offer why she would do this,” Bygrove said.

There was no immediate word on any charges.

The eastbound Gardiner Expressway curb lane was closed along with the Spadina exit lane while the rescue was underway. The boom of the crane hangs over the Gardiner.

In April 2017, a woman had to be rescued from the arm of a crane at a condo construction site on Wellesley St. east of Yonge St.

A firefighter scaled the crane and rappelled down with her to safety.

Marisa Lazo pleaded guilty to two counts, received an absolute discharge, and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge.

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