Major freeway reopens as hours-long standoff ends near San Diego

May 26, 2021 Carley Shaffer US 0

SAN DIEGO - AUGUST 31: Traffic moves along the I-5 in San Diego, California on August 31, 2006. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and democratic leaders have struck a deal calling for a 25 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2020 in California and promoting alternative energy sources throughout the state. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)

SAN DIEGO – AUGUST 31: Traffic moves along the I-5 in San Diego, California on August 31, 2006. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 1:40 PM PT – Wednesday, May 26, 2021

All lanes of a major Southern California freeway are reportedly back open and running as an hours-long police standoff has come to an end.

The standoff begun early on Wednesday 50 miles south of Camp Pendleton when police tried to pull over a suspect wanted for assault. The man led officers on a high-speed chase on Interstate 5 before coming to a stop in northbound lanes. Police worked restlessly to try and stop the suspect, using spike strips and calling in a SWAT team.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

I-5 S/B at Cristianitos Rd. is closed until further notice due to police activity in San Diego County.

6:51AM: I-5 N/B at Cristianitos Rd. has reopened.

Please use alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/Ukg91eZgeb

— CHP Capistrano Area (@CHPCapistrano) May 26, 2021

The freeway was completely shutdown in both directions for hours and reopened after according to the police, the man shot himself inside his SUV. He had reportedly been wanted since Tuesday night after a naked woman flagged down officers and told them her boyfriend assaulted and strangled her. By the time police responded to the scene, the assailant had already fled.

The man’s identity has not been released and his condition is unknown at this time. However, an investigation is underway.