All lanes of I-5 near Everett were briefly closed after a man climbed onto an overpass ledge Friday morning. He was arrested afterward. (Photo: WSDOT Traffic)
EVERETT, Wash. — A man climbed onto the ledge of an overpass near 128th Street Southwest Friday morning, and his actions shut down all lanes of northbound Interstate 5. Washington State Patrol and Snohomish County deputies quickly responded to the scene.
The Washington State Department of Transportation first reported the closure around 7:50 a.m. after troopers responded near milepost 187. WSDOT initially closed all northbound lanes, then extended the closure to cover southbound lanes as well.
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WSP Confirms Person on Overpass Ledge
Washington State Patrol Trooper Kelsey Harding confirmed a pedestrian was on the ledge of the overpass. According to the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, the man climbed and hung on the bridge, and he ignored deputies’ orders to get down.
Meanwhile, the sheriff’s office said his exact motive remains unclear.
“Please be patient while troopers handle this situation.”
Trooper Kelsey Harding, Washington State Patrol
Freeway Reopens After About 30 Minutes
Deputies took the man into custody around 8:15 a.m. Soon after, WSDOT reported all lanes had reopened by about 8:20 a.m., roughly 30 minutes after the closure began.
Even then, residual delays continued in the area after the lanes reopened, and WSDOT warned drivers to allow extra time for traffic to clear.
Man Arrested on Multiple Charges
The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office booked the 25-year-old man into the Snohomish County Jail. He faces suspicion of disorderly conduct, obstructing a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and second-degree criminal trespass.
So far, prosecutors have not filed charges, and officials reported no injuries in connection with the incident.
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