12 arrested after blocking I-5 lanes in Seattle

Published 1:30 am Monday, January 18, 2021

Associated Press

SEATTLE — Twelve people were arrested and two vehicles were impounded Monday after protesters blocked I-5 in Seattle, the Washington State Patrol said.

Troopers responded to the scene in the northbound I-5 collector-distributor lanes near James Street at about 12:30 p.m. after receiving reports of traffic being blocked by a protest.

The protesters stopped traffic and quickly caused a long backup past the I-90 interchange, said Trooper Rick Johnson.

Troopers cleared the scene and took 12 people into custody. All were to be booked into the King County Jail. During the protest, the group painted the letters “BLM” on the pavement.

All lanes were reopened.