Interstate 495 in Lowell has reopened after an alleged armed suspect stopped in the median, shutting down the highway, I-Team sources said. The incident is snarling traffic on the busy road during the Tuesday evening commute.<\/p>\n
I-Team sources said that Massachusetts State Police stopped a pick-up truck allegedly involved in a shooting at Highland Common in Berlin and that one person in the car may be armed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The alleged shooting in Berlin took place at 3:30 p.m. in the parking lot, according to Berlin Police. They said that officers had originally responded to a report of an assault, but were informed about possible gunshots on the way there. Around an hour later, I-495 in Lowell was closed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.<\/p>\n
State Police requested a negotiator to the scene on the highway, I-Team sources said. Video from WBZ-TV’s helicopter showed a robot dog and a drone near the pick-up truck.<\/p>\n
“Their utmost concern is trying to get everyone out of it safely,” WBZ-TV security analyst and former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said. “They’re going to take this very slowly and methodically. It’s a terrible inconvenience to the driving public, but it’s something that needs to happen.” \u00a0<\/p>\n
“The Massachusetts State Police are asking the public to avoid 495 in Lowell, as there is an ongoing law enforcement investigation that has closed both sides of the highway in that area. We will update as we have more information,” a spokesperson for Massachusetts State Police said in a statement.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Some cars stuck in traffic could be seen making U-turns on the median. Davis recommended that anyone stuck in traffic should stay in their vehicles and shelter in place.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“The police are doing everything they can to protect them from harm,” Davis said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Highland Commons remains closed for the time being. Police said there is no threat to the public. Berlin Police and State Police are investigating.<\/p>\n
I-495 traffic in Lowell \u00a0<\/p>\n
They asked drivers to seek alternative routes and said that traffic would be diverted to the nearest exit.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Drivers traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution,” Mass DOT said in a statement.\u00a0<\/p>\n
MassDOT said to stay up to date on traffic conditions by calling 511 or using the Mass511 app.<\/a><\/p>\n This is a breaking news story that will be updated as more information becomes available.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n More from CBS News\n <\/p>\n