BREAKING NEWS Texas I-45 freeway shutdown as armed woman in folding chair sparks police standoff
A woman armed with a handgun is locked in a tense standoff with police on a busy Texas freeway, causing traffic chaos for thousands of commuters.
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.
According to KWTX 10, a constable reported the woman had 'apparently turned her vehicle directly into the path of an 18-wheeler' and caused a collision.
It is understood a trained mental health officer is among first responders on the scene attempting negotiations.
A spokesperson for the Harris County Constable's Precinct said a family member has also arrived.
Extraordinary footage of the incident shows traffic backed up for miles as teams of officers with their weapons drawn keep an eye on the woman.
The woman appears to be wearing a blue cardigan, blue hat and blue skirt.
Authorities reported the woman said she 'wants her kids' and claimed they were being held hostage.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez told Fox News the woman, armed with a pistol, is expressing suicidal thoughts.
She has refused to comply with orders to drop the weapon, nor has she moved from her position in the middle of the road.
Traffic is at a gridlock in the area with both directions closed, sparking travel carnage for motorists.
The public has been urged to avoid the area. Diversions are in place.
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