Trespassing at Foresthill Bridge near Auburn increases during stay-at-home, Placer Sheriff says

Placer County deputies are reporting an uptick in trespassers at the Foresthill Bridge near Auburn, the tallest bridge in California and a spot well-known for thrill-seekers and suicide attempts.

In two weeks, deputies have cited 25 people for trespassing on the bridge during the stay-at-home order, said Lt. Andrew Scott, spokesman for the Placer County’s Sheriff’s Office.

“We’ve seen the videos on Instagram and TikTok, and some people think it’s ‘cool’ to showcase themselves trespassing in action, believing it’s a great opportunity for a social media post,” the sheriff’s office said in a social media post. “We have another term we use for these pictures and videos: EVIDENCE.”

The Foresthill Bridge, also known as the Auburn Bridge, spans the North Fork of the American River and stands 720 feet tall. It is an attraction for daredevils who try to cross the bridge’s girders and post videos online.

Scott said sheriff’s deputies have cited Placer County locals, as well as people from Sacramento and the Bay Area.

The citation carries a potential penalty of a $2,000 fine or six months in jail depending on the circumstances and prior criminal history.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides confidential assistance to anyone in crisis and their loved ones through a live chat and free 24-hour hotline: 800-273-8255. WellSpace Health operates the Sacramento region’s 24-hour hotline: 916-368-3111 or text HOPE to 916-668-4226.

This story was originally published April 30, 2020 at 4:00 PM.