All northbound lanes of the 101 freeway approaching downtown Los Angeles were shut down by the California Highway Patrol in Boyle Heights on Thursday morning due to police activity in the area. The closure, which began north of 4th Street just before 9 a.m., caused a massive traffic backup.
According to a CHP log, drivers were diverted off at 4th Street during the ongoing investigation. KTLA reported that one person was hospitalized following an officer-involved shooting on the 101 freeway.
CHP officials declined to provide details on the incident or the SigAlert, and a spokesperson did not immediately respond to inquiries. Video from KTLA showed crime scene tape on the freeway and several patrol cars in the area, with traffic backed up for miles.
Police responded to the scene around 7:30 a.m., and a SigAlert blocking all northbound lanes was issued at 8:55 a.m., according to CHP logs. The investigation is ongoing, and motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes.