Late Tuesday night, the 101 Freeway through downtown Los Angeles remained closed in both directions due to a prolonged standoff involving a man on an overpass. This incident brought traffic to a halt, causing significant disruptions well into the evening rush hour.
The California Post reported that the man continued to occupy the pedestrian structure for several hours after initially threatening to jump. Authorities have not provided a clear timeline for when the freeway might reopen, as the situation is still developing.
The Los Angeles Police Department, accompanied by SWAT team members, was on site, working diligently to ensure the man’s safe apprehension, according to statements made to The Post.
Traffic came to a standstill in both the northbound and southbound lanes near Temple Street, where the situation began shortly before 5:10 p.m. at 333 N. Los Angeles Street, as confirmed by the Los Angeles Fire Department.
By 6 p.m., aerial footage depicted extensive congestion, with traffic backed up for miles throughout downtown as commuters found themselves stuck on the freeway.
In response, fire crews placed large inflatable rescue cushions beneath the overpass as a precautionary measure to protect the man who had threatened to jump.
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Traffic backed up for miles while responders worked the scene, with graffiti-covered retaining walls visible along the freeway corridor.
Meanwhile, LAPD officers worked to access the structure, using pry bars to break through fencing in an effort to limit his movement.
The California Highway Patrol issued a Sig-Alert as the crisis dragged on.
As of 10:00 p.m., the closure remained in effect, with southbound drivers diverted at Los Angeles Street and northbound traffic rerouted at Alameda Street.
The heavily traveled corridor saw significant backups, compounded by traffic from the nearby Dodgers game, as officials urged the public to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
The disruption persisted deep into the night.
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