Man who climbed Nashville highway sign given 20-day sentence

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A man who climbed atop a road sign along a major Nashville highway and stayed there for two hours, bringing traffic to a halt as he dangled his feet, has been sentenced to 20 days in jail.

Local news outlets report that 44-year-old William P. Walters was sentenced after pleading guilty Monday to a charge of obstructing a passageway. According to court records, a charge of disorderly conduct was dismissed.

Metro Nashville Police closed part of Interstate 65 on the afternoon of Jan. 5.

Police said in a statement that negotiator Cedric Connolly eventually persuaded Waters to come down from the sign.

The road closure, which lasted through much of rush hour, caused major traffic delays in the downtown area.

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