US: Police responding to barricade situation in West Columbia afternoon of Jan. 17

Event

Authorities are responding to a barricade situation at the Hilton Garden Inn on 110 McSwain Drive in West Columbia, SC, on the afternoon of Jan. 17. Officials report that a suspect has barricaded himself inside the hotel. Police have cordoned off the area, and Sunset Blvd is closed off; several I-26 exits in the vicinity of the incident are blocked. Authorities have asked the public to avoid the area.

Heightened security and localized business and transport disruptions are almost certain in the coming hours as the police response continues.

Advice

Avoid the area until the situation stabilizes and authorities give the all-clear. Allow additional travel time and seek alternative routes to circumvent the incident site.