Law enforcement officials on Tuesday shut down the ramp to U.S. Route 50 as they negotiated with a man sitting atop an overpass fence, an incident that briefly affected nearby voters.
Prince George’s County Police have been communicating with what they described as the “man in crisis” at Whitfield Chapel Road over Route 50 since about 2:30 p.m. Officials say there is no danger to the community.
“We will be out here until we can bring the male to safety,” a department spokesperson said in an email.
The ramp closure has impacted those planning to vote at nearby Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. State Sen. Alonzo T. Washington said the polling site had been blocked briefly due to the police response, but is now accessible for voters.
The Maryland Department of Emergency Management suggested taking 495 northbound and taking exit 20A to 450, then turning right on Whitfield Chapel Road, or 704 eastbound to Annapolis Road and turning left to Whitfield Chapel Road.
Voters can also go directly to the Prince George’s County Board of Elections in Largo at 1100 Mercantile Lane to cast a provisional ballot.
“I am praying for this young man, his family, our first responders, and everyone impacted,” Washington said in an Instagram post.
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