A SWAT standoff early Monday morning shut down all lanes of Interstate 20 in Dallas, creating significant delays ahead of the morning rush hour.
The incident began before 5 a.m. near St. Augustine Road, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Both eastbound and westbound lanes of I-20 were closed as law enforcement redirected vehicles off the highway. By 7 a.m., traffic had come to a complete standstill.
TxDOT said the closure was necessary to protect motorists while officers worked to resolve the situation safely. “The highway is completely closed as a precaution and for oncoming traffic to not get struck by gunfire,” TxDOT said in a statement, according to CBS News.
The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the situation involved a suicidal person positioned on a bridge at St. Augustine Road. Negotiators were stationed nearby at Haymarket Road, attempting to de-escalate the encounter.
Authorities urged drivers to avoid the area and warned of at least two-hour delays in both directions. The agency advised commuters to seek alternate routes throughout the morning.
No injuries had been reported as of mid-morning, and officials continued to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the standoff.
The incident caused widespread traffic disruptions across southern Dallas County, with congestion spilling onto adjacent service roads and secondary routes. Drivers on the eastbound I-20 reported being stuck for extended periods as officers kept the highway sealed.
By late morning, authorities had not provided an estimated reopening time for the affected stretch of I-20.
The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office continues to lead the response, working closely with TxDOT and the Dallas Police Department to manage the standoff and ensure public safety.
Motorists traveling through the area were encouraged to check official TxDOT updates before resuming their commute.