Overview

• The standoff began around 1:30 p.m. after the woman’s vehicle collided with an 18-wheeler on northbound I-45 near Cypresswood Drive.
• The 64-year-old sat in a lawn chair on the highway with a pistol while expressing suicidal thoughts and alleging her children were held hostage.
• Deputies from Harris County Precinct 4, sheriff’s office officers and a Crisis Intervention Response Team spent several hours negotiating with her.
• Both northbound and southbound lanes were closed for hours, with drivers diverted onto the Hardy Toll Road and local side streets.
• At about 6:30 p.m., she dropped her weapon, surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody for mental health evaluation.