Bend PD: Man changed mind on suicide – still hit by train

A man apparently intended to take his own life late Wednesday night by standing in the path of a freight train in southeast Bend — but changed his mind at the last minute and tried to get off the tracks, police said. He was still struck, but suffered only minor injuries.

The collision, reported shortly after 11 p.m., just south of Reed Market Road, closed the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway crossings at Reed Market Road and Wilson Avenue for more than a half hour.

Police Sgt. Todd Fletcher said the man attempted to take his life by standing in the path of a train, but reconsidered at the last second and tried to leave the tracks, but was still hit.

The unidentified man was able to walk to an ambulance that was called to the scene, and was taken to St. Charles Bend for treatment of minor injuries, Fletcher said..

BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas in Seattle said the southbound train originated at Pasco, Wash., and was destined for Barstow, Calif., “hauling general freight” when the crew reported possibly striking a man just south of a crossing. They said he apparently got up and was walking afterward.