US: Police block Interstate 55 in Lincoln (Illinois) due to security incident Mar. 7

Event

Authorities have blocked Interstate 55 outside Lincoln (Illinois state) as of the afternoon (local time) on Thursday, March 7, after a gunman barricaded himself in his car. Reports indicate federal law enforcement attempted to arrest the suspect in Rockford (Illinois) on Thursday morning when he opened fire on police, killing one officer. The suspect subsequently fled police and traveled south on Interstate 55 before crashing outside Lincoln. Illinois authorities have deployed SWAT teams to the area after the suspect barricaded himself in his car. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected over the coming hours. Avoid the area. 

Advice

Individuals in Illinois are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the affected area, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.