DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC UPDATE: Police response wrapping up by Columbia entrance to Alaskan Way Viaduct

4:49 PM: If you’re heading toward the southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct downtown – you’ll want to avoid the Columbia entrance. Seattle Police report that they’re talking with “an armed man in crisis, currently barricaded in the 800 block of Post Ave” and @jhewiz points out via this Instagram image that this is happening right alongside the Columbia onramp [map].

5:11 PM: Police confirmed via Twitter the man was taken into custody “peacefully.”

P.S. Here’s a recap via SPD Blotter.

Brenda August 15, 2016 (4:54 pm)

Awesome!

kelly August 15, 2016 (4:55 pm)

Does anyone know if buses are being rerouted?

WSB August 15, 2016 (5:01 pm)

The ramp is apparently open but avoiding the area is advisable. Thought we had heard on the scanner that the person might be in custody but have not seen SPD announce that yet – we’ll update when there’s official info. – Tracy

Rob August 15, 2016 (5:05 pm)

The ramp is open but the right lane on southbound first to get to it is really slow from people looking. It was backed up past pike when I left work. Added probably 20 min to get to west Seattle.

WSB August 15, 2016 (5:09 pm)

Thanks. SPD has just confirmed the man’s “surrender,” their word. But of course that area is clogged even in normal conditions this time of day…

newnative August 15, 2016 (5:05 pm)

no reroute just drove over at 5:05

Alison August 15, 2016 (5:17 pm)

I walked by at 5:05 on Western. Columbia is blocked off from Western and there are about 8 police vehicles lining Columbia.

Mizzle August 15, 2016 (5:20 pm)

WSB to the rescue! Left work near this location and couldn’t find anything on the Times or other news orgs websites on what was going on. Of course you guys had it. Thank you!