Mannequin billboard sparks 911 calls

BRIDGEPORT, Conn., Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Connecticut police said a car dealer's 2-month-old billboard with a life-sized mannequin is prompting calls from confused motorists who think the man is real.

Dispatchers at the Connecticut State Police Troop G barracks said the billboard, at the side of Interstate 95 northbound exit 26 in Bridgeport, has been the subject of occasional calls during the past few months from motorists concerned the mannequin is a real man contemplating jumping, The Connecticut Post, Bridgeport, reported Monday.

The dispatchers said they explain to the callers that the mannequin, which is dressed in pajamas and holding a teddy bear, is part of the advertisement for BMW of Bridgeport.

Tim Coughlin, the dealership's general sales manager, said the advertisement promoted the business' "overnight test-drive" offer.

"For whatever reason, it's working because people are looking at it," Coughlin said. "It has become distinctive and sort of like a signature."