Arrest reported after search for armed suspect disrupts commuter traffic in Everett, Wash.

Arrest made after manhunt shuts down Wash. freeway

EVERETT, Wash. — A sheriff’s spokeswoman in Washington state says tips from the public helped authorities make an arrest following a search for an armed suspect Wednesday that shut down a busy freeway and disrupted commuter traffic.

When traffic in Interstate 5’s northbound lanes in the Everett area began moving again shortly before 9 p.m., the backup stretched five miles. The entire freeway was shut down for about an hour.

Snohomish County sheriff’s spokeswoman Rebecca Hover says deputies had pursued a black Jetta that was believed to be stolen. The pursuit took on new urgency when the Jetta’s driver reportedly fired and hit a deputy’s patrol vehicle. No one was injured.

The chase continued north on I-5 until the Jetta’s armed driver was seen running from the freeway following traffic crash. The Daily Herald reports a woman was injured when her van rolled over on the freeway as the pursuit ended.

Information from: The Daily Herald, www.heraldnet.com