Armed Woman Causes Traffic Chaos During Hours-Long Standoff on Texas Freeway

Multiple law enforcement agencies are Interstate 45 trying to negotiate with the woman, who pulled a folding chair out of her car and has been sitting in the middle of the road

A tense, hours-long standoff unfolded on a busy Texas freeway after a woman armed with a handgun brought traffic to a halt by parking in the middle of Interstate 45 and refusing to move, according to authorities.

The incident began around 1:30 p.m. when the woman reportedly maneuvered her vehicle directly into the path of an 18-wheeler, causing a collision. She then exited her car, retrieved a folding chair, and sat down in the middle of the freeway, holding a pistol.

It is understood a trained mental health officer is among first responders on the scene attempting negotiations

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including Harris County deputies and mental health crisis responders, rushed to the scene near Cypresswood Drive, where traffic quickly backed up for miles in both directions. A trained mental health officer and a family member of the woman were among those involved in the negotiation efforts.

The woman, dressed in blue, made emotional statements during the standoff, claiming her children were being held hostage and demanding to see them. Authorities reported she was expressing suicidal thoughts and repeatedly refused to drop the weapon or comply with police instructions.

By 6.30pm, officers shared an update that the standoff had ended peacefully

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed that law enforcement maintained a cautious distance while officers with weapons drawn attempted to de-escalate the situation.

Footage from the scene showed a significant law enforcement presence and extensive traffic delays stretching across both northbound and southbound lanes.

Pictures showed the woman, wearing all blue, as she was escorted off the road by at least eight authorities

By 6:30 p.m., law enforcement announced that the standoff had ended peacefully. The woman was safely taken into custody by a group of at least eight officers. No injuries were reported.

"The standoff on the North Freeway and Cypresswood Drive has ended peacefully," officials said in a statement. "Constable Deputies along with multiple law enforcement officers and first responders have safely apprehended the armed female suspect sitting on the main lanes of the freeway."

Authorities thanked all responding officers for resolving the crisis without harm.

Traffic gridlock began to ease as both directions of the North Freeway gradually reopened. Drivers were advised to continue avoiding the area while clean-up and recovery efforts continued, with diversions still in place.