Man lighting things on fire under I-5 overpass Saturday forces lanes to be shut down
Smoke filled the area around Martin Way and Interstate 5 Saturday morning after a man lit multiple items on fire under the overpass there, according to Lacey Fire District 3.
About 7 a.m., Lacey firefighters responded to the I-5 overpass at Martin Way to assist Olympia Fire Department after the man burned at least one tire and other materials, causing heavy smoke, according to Deputy Chief Jennifer Schmidt. He also was reported to be throwing rocks and debris at passing cars, Schmidt wrote in a text message to The Olympian.
Lacey Police also responded and detained the man, who is 55 and has no known address, according to Sgt. Shannon Barnes. Officers transported him to Providence St. Peter Hospital for a mental health evaluation, she said.
Two lanes of Martin Way were closed for about 30 minutes during the incident.
This story was originally published August 22, 2020 at 8:56 AM.
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