Man on tower takes police standoff to 5th day

TULSA, Okla. - A man who climbed onto a communications tower in Tulsa five days ago continues to rebuff authorities' attempts to talk him into coming down.

The Tulsa Fire Department raised a bucket to the man they identify only as William Monday morning, CBS News affiliate KOTV-TV in Tulsa reports. The man requested a Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Rooster Booster and a cappuccino.

Police say the 25-year-old man has a history of mental illness and has refused most offers of food, water and cigarettes. Police say they're worried he may become dehydrated or lose consciousness and either fall or become stuck in the tower. The last time he took water was early Friday morning, officials said.

Tulsa Police say the man climbed 100 feet up the Clear Channel communications tower on Thursday.

Negotiators in the basket of a fire engine ladder negotiated with the man for about five hours early Monday, but he still refused to come down.

William managed to sleep on parts of the framework during the day Saturday and overnight Sunday, KOTV-TV reports. At one point he lost or kicked off his tennis shoes, so he now is dressed only in shorts, a T-shirt and red socks.

He shouted down to police officers repeatedly through the night Saturday, telling them he'd rather be on the tower than "down there" and crowing like a rooster as the sun rose.

He denies that he plans to commit suicide.

"There's no such thing as suicide," he said.

Police negotiator Cole Butler told KOTV-TV that he doesn't believe William is suicidal; however, he noted that could change at any time.

"Honestly, if he was wanting to jump, I think it would have happened by now," said the 30-year veteran of the Tulsa Police Department. "But that doesn't mean it won't happen in the next five seconds."

Temperatures were expected to rise to the mid-90s on Monday.