Apparent person in crisis incident brings Walnut Creek traffic to halt

The California Highway Patrol will not confirm or deny reports of a man on the Highway 24/Interstate 680 connector ramp in Walnut Creek. However, the northbound ramp is closed and a Caltrans camera shows heavy police activity.

The unconfirmed NEWS24/680 alert issued at 2:20 p.m. Wednesday said a man was asking police to shoot him. Walnut Creek police told SFBay the incident is under CHP jurisdiction — the CHP declined to provide any detail other than what was communicated in a Sigalert issued at 2:18 p.m.

A Caltrans camera aimed at the northbound connector ramp near the Ygnacio Valley Road exit shows what appears to be a figure standing in empty lanes of traffic, with police and CHP vehicles situated on either side. In the video feed around 3:15 p.m., it looks as though the person is approached by an officer, though the footage is not clear enough to be certain.

Traffic is backed up from Orinda to Walnut Creek, according to 511.org. Police issued a Nixle alert asking people to avoid the area of Mount Diablo Boulevard, Boulevard Way and Camino Diablo due to police activity. Police said via Twitter at 2:54 p.m.:

“WCPD is currently assisting CHP involving an incident occurring on the freeway at the WB 24/NB 680 interchange. We are currently shutting down several off-ramps and roadways in the area at the request of CHP. Please avoid the area. CHP is the lead agency on this incident.”

This story is developing.