Gunman Halts Westbound Bay Bridge Traffic

​All citybound traffic has been halted on the Bay Bridge's top deck since shortly after 7:10 a.m. due to a driver who has claimed to be toting a gun and explosives.

The driver told police dispatchers he was armed, reports KTVU television. When police spotted the man at Treasure Island, they purportedly confirmed he was armed. Another person is apparently in the car as well.

The driver and his passenger -- which may be his daughter -- are currently stopped atop the western, suspension section of the Bay Bridge and some manner of standoff has ensued. A police negotiator is apparently en route to the scene. 

The lower deck of the bridge is open, for the moment. A massive backup for today's commute is unavoidable -- and, really the best-case scenario. Cars are being turned back at the toll booths; cars already on the upper deck are stranded.

Calls to the San Francisco Police Department and California Highway Patrol have not yet turned up any additional information.

More when we know more.

Update, 7:30: Televised reports of the standoff reveal the gunman has left his black SUV and is now sitting, precariously, on the railing of the bridge. He is on his cell phone with an unknown second party. Police have safely removed his young, female passenger from the scene.

Update, 8:05 a.m.: Authorities have taken the driver into custody. Moving his potentially explosives-laden vehicle off the bridge, however, is sure to be a delicate and time-consuming operation.

Update, 9 a.m. The driver's black SUV has been motored off of the bridge. All lanes are open, but the residual backup is still a doozy.

Sky1Ron

The scene from above at around 7:30 a.m.

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