Police team climbs Ben Franklin Bridge tower to make arrest

CAMDEN – Two daredevil photographers scaled a tower on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge early Tuesday, but something blocked their view.

It was a seven-member team of highly trained police officers, who climbed some 250 feet to arrest the trespassers.

The men – Martin J. Romero-Clark of New York City and Andrew Lillibridge of Toledo, Ohio – were taken into custody atop the rain-swept bridge around 1:20 a.m., authorities said.

They were charged with criminal mischief, interfering with transportation and causing or risking widespread damage, according to John Hanson, chief executive officer of the Delaware River Port Authority.

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Hanson’s hoping more charges can be brought against the pair.

“These guys, they put our police officers at risk. I’m angry about that,” he said. “We will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to Hanson, the photographers were spotted on the bridge around 12:15 a.m., more than three hours after the span’s walkway had closed for the night.

“We knew almost immediately they were there,” said Hanson, who noted the span’s “multiple detection systems” include a network of cameras and alarms.

He said DRPA police officers at the span responded quickly, but the men were able to hike to the top of a bridge cable.

Social-media posts by the photographers show dizzying aerial shots from other locations, including several taken from atop bridges and high buildings.

Authorities closed the bridge to traffic and suspended PATCO Hi-Speedline service for about 100 minutes due to the incident.

Members of the DRPA’s High Angle Rescue Team went after the backpack-wearing men, not knowing what they’d encounter at the top of the bridge.

“What they knew was two individuals dressed in black had made it to the top, and they were going to get them,” said DRPA Police Sgt. John Santry, who formerly commanded the team.

“They’re very well-trained but it’s still a dangerous proposition,” said Hanson.

“It was foggy. It was wet,” he said. “It was very fortunate that no one was hurt or worse.”

Police seized cameras from the photographers, who did not resist arrest.

“They were very cooperative,” said DRPA Police Sgt. Sean Longfellow. “And they regretted their decision.”

Jim Walsh; (856) 486-2646; jwalsh@gannettnj.com