Someone stranded on U.S. 101 during a CHP standoff with an armed subject Saturday wraps up in a blanket provided by the American Red Cross. Photo courtesy of Bill Steven

A pursuit starting in Humboldt ending with a stand off near Last Chance Grade on U.S. 101 resulted in a highway closure for 11 hours that left traffic at a standstill

The incident began at about 3:17 p.m. Saturday when the National Park Service advised the California Highway Patrol that its officers were pursuing a tan Buick Century and was headed northbound from Humboldt County.

From a CHP news release Sunday:

On June 6, 2020 at approximately 1517 hours the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Crescent City Area was advised that the National Park Service (NPS) was in a pursuit of a tan Buick Century. The pursuit was heading northbound on US-101 at Mile Post Marker (MPM) 101 HUM 131.7, in Humboldt County. At the Del Norte County line, NPS requested CHP take over the pursuit. CHP units got in position and deployed a spike strip, successfully deflating all tires. The suspect vehicle continued traveling north for approximately one mile before coming to a stop on US-101 at MPM, 101 DN 16.00, blocking the northbound traffic lanes. As CHP units initiated felony stop procedures, the driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle displayed a firearm, and would not relinquish the weapon to law enforcement personnel. The suspect remained in the vehicle pointing the gun at himself and threatening his life. The subject refused to comply with the directions of the officers for approximately 11 hours. With the assistance of the Del Norte County Sheriff, Erik Apperson, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Fish and Wildlife, National Parks Service, State Parks, Yurok Tribal Police, and the California Department of Transportation, the subject ultimately surrendered and was taken into custody. US-101 was closed due to public safety while negotiations were made with the subject.

To help motorists stranded during the police activity, the Del Norte Office of Emergency Services allowed lodging facilities to offer shelter to those on either side of the closure. The Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services did the same for northbound traffic on Saturday evening, according to Del Norte Emergency Services Manager Kymmie Scott.

The Del Norte Office of Emergency Services, Del Norte County Sheriff's Office and the Yurok Office of Emergency Services distributed emergency kits from the American REd Cross to stranded motorists as well.

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