Wild Pursuit Shuts Down I-95 in Harford County; Heavy Police and SWAT Presence Near Snake Lane & Route 136
HARFORD COUNTY, Md. — A dramatic police chase unfolded in Harford County late Tuesday, shutting down a stretch of Interstate 95 and drawing a massive response from law enforcement, including tactical SWAT units. The incident, which began as a pursuit along the busy highway, quickly escalated into a high-risk standoff that spilled into the surrounding rural area near Snake Lane and Route 136.
The Pursuit on I-95
Authorities say the situation began when troopers attempted to stop a vehicle traveling southbound on I-95 in Harford County. Instead of pulling over, the driver reportedly refused to comply and accelerated, sparking a dangerous pursuit along one of Maryland’s busiest corridors. Witnesses described seeing multiple patrol vehicles in pursuit, with traffic quickly coming to a standstill as law enforcement moved to contain the fleeing suspect.
In the interest of public safety, officials temporarily shut down portions of I-95, creating gridlock as motorists were forced to exit or sit idle while police worked to gain control of the rapidly evolving situation.
Transition to Snake Lane and Route 136
The chase eventually left the interstate and led officers toward Snake Lane and Route 136, a less populated but wooded area of Harford County. At this point, Maryland State Police and Harford County deputies called in additional tactical support, including SWAT units, out of concern that the suspect may have been armed or unwilling to surrender peacefully.
Residents in the area reported heavy law enforcement presence, including armored vehicles, tactical officers with shields and rifles, and helicopters circling overhead. Police worked swiftly to establish a perimeter, keeping bystanders at a safe distance while attempting to negotiate with the individual inside the vehicle.
SWAT Response and Standoff
According to initial reports, the suspect barricaded inside the vehicle after coming to a stop near Snake Lane. This triggered a lengthy standoff that required specialized SWAT intervention. Negotiators were dispatched to the scene in an attempt to de-escalate the situation and bring it to a peaceful resolution.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether shots were fired during the encounter, though neighbors reported hearing loud bangs as tactical units deployed flashbang devices. These are commonly used to disorient suspects and gain a tactical advantage without using lethal force.
Community Impact
The pursuit and subsequent standoff caused widespread concern in Harford County. Social media was quickly filled with posts from residents stuck on I-95 or those living near Snake Lane, many of whom expressed shock at the large-scale police response in what is typically a quiet area.
Traffic along I-95 remained heavily backed up for hours, with many motorists stranded while officers ensured the situation was contained. Harford County Public Safety officials urged residents to avoid the area until the scene was fully secured.
Ongoing Investigation
As of the latest updates, law enforcement officials have not released the identity of the suspect, the reason for the initial traffic stop, or the charges they may face. The Maryland State Police, in collaboration with Harford County Sheriff’s Office and regional SWAT teams, continue to investigate the incident.
It is expected that once the standoff was resolved, the suspect was taken into custody, though police have not confirmed whether the individual surrendered peacefully or was subdued by tactical units. Officials say more details will be shared as the investigation develops.
Larger Context
High-speed pursuits pose significant risks to both law enforcement officers and the public. Incidents like this underscore the dangers of refusing to stop when directed by police and the potentially life-threatening consequences that can follow. Law enforcement agencies across Maryland have increasingly emphasized pursuit policies that balance the urgency of apprehending suspects with the need to protect innocent drivers and pedestrians.
What’s Next
Authorities are reviewing dashcam footage, witness statements, and tactical reports to piece together a full picture of the pursuit and standoff. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is expected to provide a press briefing in the coming days with more details about the suspect, potential weapons involved, and the exact sequence of events that led to the highway shutdown and SWAT mobilization.