I-5 Freeway Pursuit: Hours-Long Closure Causes Major Traffic Chaos in Southern California
A tense situation unfolded on Saturday morning, November 22, 2025, as a suspect led authorities on a pursuit across Southern California, resulting in a complete shutdown of the I-5 freeway between Oceanside and San Clemente. The incident, which began around 2:00 a.m. in Buena park, brought traffic to a standstill for hours, impacting countless commuters and travelers. HereS a complete breakdown of what you need to know.
The Pursuit and Freeway Closure
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) initiated the pursuit,requesting assistance from the Oceanside Police Department (OPD). According to OPD Public Information Officer Gina Avalos, shots were fired during the chase, and the suspect was believed to be armed with a handgun and unwilling to surrender.
This led to a strategic decision to close the I-5 in both directions to ensure public safety. CHP officers actively rerouted traffic, directing northbound drivers to Harbor Drive and southbound drivers to Las Pulgas Road. The closure stretched for miles, creating significant delays and frustration for those caught in the gridlock.
Impact on Travelers: A Four-Hour Wait
The freeway closure wasn’t just an inconvenience; it was a major disruption for many. Hannah Brown, a traveler who landed at Los Angeles international Airport shortly after midnight, experienced the standstill firsthand. She was just ten minutes from her Oceanside Airbnb when traffic abruptly stopped.
“Four hours with no movement,” Brown reported. “There’s been no dialogue, nothing available online, and we’ve just been hearing peopel getting out of their cars, trying to walk up and see what the situation is.” Her experience highlights the lack of real-time information available to those affected by the closure.
Suspect in Custody, Freeway Reopening Remains Uncertain
Fortunately, the situation concluded with the suspect taken into custody as of 7:55 a.m. PST. No officers were injured during the incident, according to Avalos.Though, the extent of any injuries sustained by the suspect remains unclear.
As of this writing, CHP Public Information Officer Hunter Gerber confirmed there is no estimated time for the freeway to reopen. This ongoing closure continues to impact travel plans throughout the region.
Here’s a quick recap of key details:
* Incident Start: Approximately 2:00 a.m. in Buena Park
* Freeway Closure: I-5 between Oceanside and San Clemente (both directions)
* Suspect Status: in custody
* Officer Injuries: None reported
* Freeway Reopening: No estimated time
Staying Informed: Resources and Updates
To stay up-to-date on the situation and potential reopening times, you can consult the following resources:
* CHP Oceanside Area twitter: @CHP_Oceanside (See embedded tweet below)
* Caltrans QuickMap: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ - Provides real-time traffic conditions.
* Local News Outlets: NBC 7 San Diego and other local news sources are providing ongoing coverage.
🚨 Traffic Alert – oceanside 🚨
Both n/b & s/b I-5, north of Harbor Drive, are currently shut down due to police activity. Closure is for an unknown duration.Please avoid the area, expect delays, and use alternate routes. We will provide updates as soon as they become available pic.twitter.com/4KnK7Nn78R
– CHP Oceanside Area (@CHP_Oceanside) November 22, 2025
