Pct. 4 officials said a woman refused to drop her weapon after a crash on I-45 near Cypresswood.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A woman with a gun caused a major backup on the North Freeway on Thursday afternoon after getting into a standoff with authorities after a crash, according to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office.
They said the incident was unfolding in the southbound lanes of I-45 near Cypresswood Drive in the Spring area.
According to Pct. 4, deputy constables responded to the scene after getting reports of a crash. They said the person who called 911 told them that a woman at the scene of the crash was armed with a gun. Authorities later said that the woman involved in the standoff had hit another vehicle and was eventually pulled over.
When responding constable deputies got there, they said the woman ignored their demands, pulled out a lawn chair and put the gun to her head. Pct. 4 officials said a negotiator was at the scene talking to the woman.
Pct. 4 said the northbound lanes of I-45 were shut down by emergency crews due to the incident. According to Houston TranStar video, the southbound lanes of the freeway were also closed down.
Drivers were told to expect major delays.
As of 4:30 p.m., the woman was still talking with a negotiator. Authorities said they called a family member to come to the scene to see if they could help resolve the situation.
Detour options
Drivers can use the Hardy Toll Road to get around the incident. They can also get off the freeway and take side streets to avoid the backup.
Northbound traffic is being diverted off I-45 at Cypresswood while southbound traffic is being diverted at the Grand Parkway.
This is a developing story, and updates will be added to this article when they become available.