Hwy. 20E reopens east of Bend after closure due to law enforcement activity

(Update: More details from DCSO)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Law enforcement activity Sunday night closed a five-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 20E, starting about a dozen miles east of Bend for about two hours, and ODOT had a detour in place until it was lifted.

Oregon State Police confirmed they responded shortly before 8 p.m. to assist Deschutes County sheriff's deputies involving a possibly suicidal subject.

The closure was set in place by ODOT between milepost 12 and 18. A detour was put in place using the Horse Ridge Frontage Road, ODOT Region 4 spokeswoman Kacey Davey reported.

Sgt. Jayson Janes confirmed Tuesday that the agency had received a report of an armed, possibly suicidal man heading east from Bend. A deputy found him parked near milepost 14.

"With concerns for commuter safety, the decision was made to shut down the highway while deputies negotiated with the subject," Janes said in a news release. "The highway was closed for approximately one and a half hours while deputies spoke with the subject.

"Negotiations with the armed male were successful and he was eventually detained without incident," the sergeant added "He was ultimately transported to St. Charles for a mental health evaluation."

KTVZ.COM's ODOT TripCheck page showed the closure ended around 10:30 p.m.