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25-year-old man arrested after climbing, hanging from I-5 overpass near Everett

Aug 14, 2026, 9:32 AM | Updated: 9:38 am

A photo of the northbound I-5 closure near Everett. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Departm...

A photo of the northbound I-5 closure near Everett. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation)

(Photo courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation)

A 25-year-old man was arrested after allegedly climbing and hanging from an I-5 overpass near Everett, prompting officials to shut down all lanes in the area.

The incident was resolved in roughly 20 minutes, and all lanes were reopened around 8:20 a.m., the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) confirmed.

The suspect was booked for disorderly conduct, obstructing, and trespass, according to the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).

SCSO stated that it appeared the suspect was climbing and hanging “for fun” and was noncompliant when deputies ordered him to get down.

Overpass climber shut down all lanes of NB I-5 near Everett

WSDOT advised travelers to allow some time for traffic buildup to clear out around the area.

At approximately 7:50 a.m., WSDOT announced that all lanes just north of 128th Street S.W. in Everett were blocked.


Washington State Patrol Trooper Kelsey Harding advised people to be patient as troopers handle the situation.

Lengthy delays are expected throughout the area.

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