What began as an investigation into a crash along a highway in Raleigh ended with an officer-involved shooting and major traffic jam on Tuesday (January 11) afternoon.
According to ABC 11, police in Raleigh were responding to a rollover crash between New Bern Avenue and Brentwood Road that closed off the westbound lanes of Interstate 440. At least five cars were involved in the crash. While at the scene, an individual reportedly came at officers with a knife, leading one officer to open fire. The condition of the man in unknown.
As of Tuesday afternoon, it is unclear what circumstances led to the crash or if there is any connection to the shooting. According to witnesses on the scene, a man reportedly walked away from one of the cars involved in the crash and was swinging a small knife when officers arrived, WRAL reports. The individual, who is said to have been the driver of a crashed vehicle, reportedly appeared intoxicated and erratic.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
The right two westbound lanes of I-440 near Brentwood Road remain closed as of 5 p.m., and drivers are encouraged to avoid the area as traffic could be delayed for hours.
Another wreck in Charlotte also diverted traffic after two people were killed in a deadly crash Tuesday morning. A third person was taken to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.