CARROLLTON, Texas (AP) - A man who authorities suspect severely beat his ex-wife with a baseball bat before perching himself on an overpass for about two-and-half-hours has been taken into custody.

Carrollton police say the man, who has not been identified yet by authorities, spent some of the time on westbound George Bush Turnpike over Interstate 35 sitting on the ledge with his feet dangling over Monday morning. Police say they were first alerted by a driver to the man who looked like he might jump at about 9:30 a.m.

Dallas police took the man into custody at about 11 a.m.

Dallas police say the man's ex-wife was beaten at about 10 a.m. Monday. Police say she has been taken to the hospital, where she is in critical condition.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-05-12-08 1339EDT