Man arrested after running onto I-85 following traffic stop, troopers say

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — North Carolina State Highway Patrol troopers have arrested a man who reportedly ran into the middle of Interstate 85 in Gaston County after a traffic stop Monday morning.

“It was immediately dangerous for the suspect as soon as he stepped out into moving traffic and then the scene escalated quickly,” Trooper Ray Pierce said.

It happened shortly after 11 a.m. on I-85 near Exit 23 to McAdenville.

Officials said a trooper tried to conduct a traffic stop, but the man ran onto the interstate, indicated he had a weapon and kept his hands in his pockets.

Concerns began to grow when other troopers could not get into contact with the first responding trooper. Authorities said it was not until other troopers started arriving on scene that the man raised his hands from his pockets and he was taken into custody.

"We had anyone that was stopped near any possible crossfire to immediately exit their vehicles and pull them back out of their vehicles," Pierce said.

People in the cars closest to the man were evacuated.

The man did not have a weapon on him, according to troopers.

“It ended as good as it could have,” Pierce said.

From Chopper 9 Skyzoom, we could see several state trooper and local law enforcement vehicles lining the grass and the side of the interstate. You could also see a red pickup truck, which troopers said the man was driving.

Authorities said initially, the man was pulled over for following too closely. They have not said what charges he may face.

Troopers were forced to shut down both directions of I-85 during the incident, but the interstate has since reopened.

He was taken to a hospital for an evaluation.

“He will receive a psychological evaluation and try to find out what’s going on today,” Pierce said.

No other information has been released.

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for more information.

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