In this image made from video provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation, Marietta Police block southbound lanes on Interstate-75, near Marietta, Ga., North of Atlanta, Friday, March 29, 2019. Marietta police said in a brief statement that the southbound lanes of Interstate 75 were shut down Friday morning due to a motorist stopped on the freeway just northwest of Atlanta. Police described the motorist as a “non-compliant driver.” (Georgia Department of Transportation via AP)
ATLANTA – More than a dozen police officers with guns drawn filled four lanes of a freeway near Atlanta, bringing Friday morning traffic to a standstill as they confronted an armed motorist.
Marietta police said a driver stopped on the freeway was armed and not cooperating with officers.
Police spokesman Chuck McPhilamy told reporters a robbery had occurred in the area of a Walmart a few miles away and officers spotted a car matching the description.
“He pulled over to the side of the interstate and then refused to exit the vehicle,” McPhilamy said.
The southbound lanes of Interstate 75 were shut down just northwest of Atlanta.
“We had to do that for everyone’s safety,” McPhilamy said, as police used a telephone line to conduct an “off-and-on negotiation” with the motorist.
News photos showed an officer with a scoped rifle perched atop an armored vehicle and staring down at the suspect as police tried to resolve the situation.
No injuries were immediately reported.
Traffic was backed up for miles. The standoff comes on a particularly busy day on Atlanta highways as people are traveling through the city on their way to spring break destinations.
The situation was unfolding near SunTrust Park, the home of the Atlanta Braves, but no game was planned Friday.
Source: Fox News National
