Grand Forks, ND (trfnews.i234.me) — A major traffic backup formed on Interstate 29 Friday evening in the Grand Forks area.
TRF News received video at about 6:32 p.m. Friday.
The video showed several emergency vehicles on the scene.
It appeared to be a single vehicle stuck in the median.
The location was reported as I-29 near 32nd Avenue North.
Traffic slowed and backed up for drivers in both directions.
Update from the Highway Patrol
The North Dakota Highway Patrol later released details about the incident.
NDHP said dispatch received a 911 call at 5:39 p.m. on January 2.
The call reported an erratic driver in Grand Forks County.
NDHP said a trooper located the vehicle near mile marker 138 on I-29.
NDHP said the vehicle stopped before the trooper activated emergency lights.
NDHP said the trooper asked the driver to exit the vehicle.
NDHP said the driver refused and fled in the vehicle.
NDHP said the pursuit lasted about one mile.
NDHP said the vehicle became stuck in the median.
NDHP said the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
NDHP described the death as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
NDHP said I-29 was shut down at 6:00 p.m.
NDHP said one lane reopened at 6:20 p.m.
NDHP said no law enforcement officers fired their weapons.
NDHP said the North Dakota BCI is assisting in the investigation.
Those details were also reported by the Grand Forks Herald and Valley News Live.
See coverage from the Grand Forks Herald and Valley News Live.
Another report is posted by KVRR.
What we saw and heard at the scene
TRF News also monitored radio traffic during the response.
Scanner traffic can be early and incomplete.
Radio traffic suggested officers tried to contact the driver.
Radio traffic also mentioned the use of a drone.
TRF News will rely on confirmed updates from officials.
Traffic and travel info
Drivers can check road conditions and closures at North Dakota 511.
TRF News has reached out to law enforcement for more details.
We will update this story when new information is confirmed.
If you or someone you know needs help
If you are struggling, help is available now.
Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.