Woman intentionally hit big rig before sitting in traffic with gun, officials say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Authorities say a 64-year-old woman intentionally crashed into an 18-wheeler Thursday afternoon, before sparking an hourslong standoff on the North Freeway at Cypresswood.

Shortly before 2 p.m., the Harris County Sheriff's Office was notified of a crash in the 19000 block of the North Freeway. When Harris County Precinct 4 deputies arrived, they found the woman displaying a weapon and sitting in the middle of moving traffic, sparking the standoff and closing the freeway for hours.

Authorities said the woman was experiencing a mental health crisis, which led to the Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT) being called to the scene. A negotiator was able to form a bond before she surrendered to authorities at about 6:29 p.m.

The woman was taken to the hospital, where deputies say she will receive help.

According to the sheriff's office, the woman did intentionally hit the 18-wheeler and could face a citation. The driver of the 18-wheeler was not injured in the incident.

For more updates on this story, follow Shannon Ryan on Facebook, X and Instagram.