Dark Days
Suspected child sex predator threatens suicide on LBJ Freeway
After a three-and-a-half hour standoff with police and SWAT team members on July 1, a suicidal man agreed to step off the ledge at the High 5 Interchange in Dallas.
According to reports, Kevin Michael Hilty, 42, approached the ledge of LBJ Freeway and U.S. Highway 75 around 1:30 pm and threatened to take his life. Bystanders alerted the authorities, who blocked all the streets and ramps leading to Hilty's location.
Dallas police would not confirm or deny the suicidal man's identity.
On June 27, Hilty was charged with four counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14. Frisco police say Hilty met his alleged victims while working as a private soccer coach. After posting a $1 million bond on June 29, Hilty was released from jail.
Police attempted to keep Hilty calm, even offering him a bottle of water until a SWAT negotiator could arrive. The negotiator talked with Hilty for more than three hours and convinced him to come down safely.
He was transported to Medical City Hospital for a medical evaluation around 6 pm and the highways were reopened. Hilty's alleged crimes carry sentences ranging from 25 to 99 years in prison.
