CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers successfully helped a man suffering from a mental health crisis Tuesday that prompted a full closure of Interstate 77 near Uptown Charlotte.
Around 2:30 p.m., police closed all lanes of I-77 northbound and southbound between Interstate 277 / the Brookshire Freeway and Interstate 85.
Delays stretched back at least three miles in both directions because of the closure.
Officials said the closure was due to "police activity" on the LaSalle Street overpass. The situation ended peacefully and there was no threat to the general public.
During the closure, police officers helped stranded drivers safely turn around and leave the blocked interstate by going in the wrong direction through an established detour. Before 4 p.m., all lanes were reopened going in the correct direction.
In an interview later in the week with WCNC Charlotte, CMPD Captain Matthew Horner said the "first officers that responded did a fantastic job."
Horner said in addition to the tools learned in the police academy, mental health training is also stressed.
"De-escalation is one of those things that when we can do it, we will absolutely do it," Horner said. "Our officers go through 40 hours of CIT training."
In Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), officers learn de-escalation tactics and learn signs to look for if someone is experiencing a mental health crisis.
During the closure, drivers could have used the Brookshire Freeway or Wilkinson Boulevard as detours. Those roads both connect with I-277 and I-85.
If you or a loved one are facing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, there is help readily available. You can call Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat with them online. There are also resources in North Carolina available here and in South Carolina available here.
WCNC Charlotte is teaming up with medical professionals on Sept. 26 at 12:30 p.m. EDT to answer questions, share resources and discuss how to help prevent suicide.
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