The 405 Freeway was completely shut down for about 90 minutes on Tuesday due to police activity near Los Angeles International Airport.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department said that the freeway shutdown was caused by a person that threatened to jump off the overpass. Police were dealing with the distraught individual near the Florence Avenue exit, and the activity required both sides of the freeway to shut down for a lengthy period of time.
“This is the 2nd time he’s done this,” Leslie Adams, a friend, said. “Glad he didn’t actually jump. Maybe it’s a cry for help.”
Police confirmed that the same man made a similar threat and caused a freeway shutdown in early November, about a month earlier.
“We know this man,” Inglewood Police Lt. Neal Cochran said. “We came in contact with him about a month ago. He’s a manic depressive. Known to our mental evaluation team. They responded as well.”
According to the California Highway Patrol, the freeway shut down started at about 4 p.m. At approximately 5:15 p.m., police and fire officials appeared to take the man into custody.
Due to the complete shutdown, traffic was backed up as far north as Westwood.
At approximately 5:30 p.m., police ended the freeway shutdown and the backed-up traffic began to slowly unclog.
“We’re sensitive to everyone’s commute,” Cochran said. “Sitting in traffic. Can’t rush the situation, potentially cause this guy to go ahead & jump.”
Photo Credit: Newschopper4 Bravo
Source: NBC Los Angeles
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