Houston, Texas — A 64-year-old woman who halted traffic on Interstate 45 for nearly five hours on Thursday will not face criminal charges, according to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office.
The incident occurred in the Spring area, where the woman reportedly parked her vehicle on the North Freeway, set up a lawn chair in the roadway, and allegedly displayed a firearm.
Authorities confirmed that the woman was experiencing a mental health crisis. She was taken into custody without incident and transported to a hospital for evaluation. Officials opted not to pursue criminal charges, instead prioritizing mental health intervention.
“Given the circumstances and the woman’s mental health history, it was determined that treatment and evaluation were the appropriate course of action,” the Constable’s Office stated.
The standoff began early Thursday when law enforcement received reports of a woman blocking traffic while armed. Deputies from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, along with crisis negotiators and mental health professionals, responded to the scene. Officials said the woman exhibited suicidal ideation and was not making threats to others.
Traffic along I-45 was heavily impacted, with thousands of drivers facing significant delays. The Texas Department of Transportation assisted in rerouting vehicles during the closure.
Law enforcement leaders emphasized that the response reflects a growing commitment to mental health crisis management. Many agencies, including those in Harris County, now deploy trained personnel to handle situations involving individuals in distress.
“This case highlights the importance of our crisis intervention efforts,” a sheriff’s office spokesperson said. “Our goal is always to ensure the safety of the individual and the public, and to connect people with the help they need.”
The woman remains under medical supervision as officials continue to assess her condition.