What started as an ordinary commute quickly spiraled into a high-stakes police standoff in Texas, leaving thousands of drivers stranded and traffic completely frozen.

A woman armed with a handgun brought Interstate 45 to a standstill after stopping her vehicle and refusing to leave the road.

Chaos Unfolds on Interstate 45

The tense situation began when the woman pulled her car to a sudden stop on the busy highway.

According to police reports, she allegedly drove her vehicle directly into the path of a large 18-wheeler, triggering a collision.

Once stopped, she pulled out a folding chair from her car, sat down in the middle of the road, and refused to move—setting the stage for a dramatic and unpredictable standoff.

Police, Mental Health Officers, and Family Rush to the Scene

Multiple law enforcement agencies swiftly arrived on the scene to manage the situation.

A mental health crisis officer was among the first responders, tasked with trying to de-escalate the unfolding drama.

Authorities confirmed that a family member of the woman was also brought to the area in hopes of assisting in the negotiations.

A Plea for Her Children

Eyewitnesses and footage captured the woman, dressed entirely in blue—a cardigan, hat, and skirt—sitting defiant and motionless while surrounded by officers with weapons drawn.

Officials said she claimed her children were being held hostage and repeatedly stated that she “wants her kids,” further complicating the emotional intensity of the incident.

Mental Health Concerns and Refusal to Comply

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez told Fox News that the woman is armed and expressing suicidal intentions.

Despite ongoing efforts to talk her down, she has reportedly refused to drop the weapon or leave the roadway, prompting serious concerns for her safety and that of everyone nearby.

Traffic Nightmare as Freeway Is Shut Down

Both directions of I-45 were completely shut down as officers focused on resolving the standoff safely.

The closure led to massive gridlock, with traffic backed up for miles.

Drivers were urged to stay away from the area and follow alternative routes while diversions were put in place.

Authorities Urge Public to Stay Clear

The situation remains fluid, with law enforcement working cautiously to bring it to a peaceful end.

In the meantime, the public is being asked to avoid the area entirely as the operation continues.