Public safety might seem like a valid reason for a shutdown, but many Californians — including several politicians — disagree.
Residents and state leaders are criticizing law enforcement after police shut down Interstate 5 for eight hours while negotiating with a suicidal man standing on a bridge.
The backlash grew strong enough that three state senators and four local officials sent a formal letter raising concerns. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the letter went to Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol, and the San Diego Police Department.
In the letter, the officials questioned existing policies and procedures for handling similar incidents. They also asked for more detailed information and suggested improving real-time communication with drivers during major freeway closures.
Before the letter was sent, San Diego police acknowledged the frustration caused by the prolonged shutdown. However, they emphasized that their primary objective was “to ensure the safety of everyone involved.” Police added that they would handle the situation the same way if it happened again.
“This incident happened to occur at one of the busiest times and in a very inconvenient location for diverting traffic,” police spokesperson Cesar Jimenez said in a statement. He added that “it was a perfect storm between timing, location, and the decision of the individual involved.”
‘Public safety’ not enough, politicians say
Local and state officials said that explanation fell short. In their letter, they cited three separate freeway closures, including the recent eight-hour shutdown on Interstate 5. They also referenced a November closure that lasted more than 14 hours and a four-hour shutdown in October.
“In each case, public safety was the reason for the shutdown, and motorists experienced limited to no advanced notice, significant standstills and congestion with minimal information, and substantial downstream impacts,” the letter stated.
The November 14-hour closure ended with gunfire after a suspect, whom CHP said was armed, hid in the center median for several hours. The October closure stemmed from a live-fire demonstration held as part of the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday.
“Parents could not pick up kids from child care, people missed flights, workers couldn’t get to their jobs or get home from their jobs,” the letter continued.
Residents also voice frustration
The San Diego Union-Tribune published several complaints from residents affected by the most recent freeway shutdown.
“While I fully respect the need for caution and compassion in mental health emergencies, the city and the Police Department must review and update policy on how such situations can be managed more efficiently,” one resident wrote. “One individual effectively held our city hostage for hours.”
Another commenter criticized the police response, saying, “I found the police statements saying they would do the same thing in the same situation again wholly unsatisfying. While I was happy to hear the man on the bridge came to no harm, there should be some acknowledgement that there may be better ways to handle situations like this.”
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