Mental health crisis involving woman, children shuts down I-40 both directions for hours

Both directions of I-40 were closed for around four hours early Saturday morning as law enforcement and crisis negotiation teams worked to resolve a mental health crisis situation involving a woman and children.

Around 4 a.m. the Burlington Communications Center received a 911 hang-up call from the area around Exit 140.

Burlington Police responded to the location of the caller, who was identified as a 25-year-old woman with children inside her vehicle. She had made comments that led police to believe she could be armed.

Members of the Burlington Regional Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), including Crisis Negotiators, responded and aided in the incident.

Around three hours later, the woman was detained without incident or injury, and two children were safely removed from the situation.

The woman is receiving treatment at a local hospital.

Both directions of I-40 were closed for around four hours.

The interstate has been reopened, and there is no further threat to the public.

"We commend all the officers and crisis intervention specialists for their dedication and excellent work in bringing this situation to a safe resolution, utilizing their prior training in de-escalation and mental health training," wrote Burlington Police.

The Burlington Police Department is seeking anyone with additional information about this investigation. Please contact the Burlington Police Department at (336) 229-3500. For anonymous methods, call Alamance County-Wide Crimestoppers at (336) 229-7100 or use the mobile app, P3 Tips. Tips provided through Crimestoppers may be eligible for cash rewards.