SANTA BARBARA — A portion of the 101 Freeway is closed in both directions in downtown Santa Barbara after a masked gunman was spotted on a freeway overpass.

Witnesses say the gunman, wearing brown fatigues and a black ski mask, was spotted waving a gun around on the La Cumbre overpass around 7:10 a.m. Monday.

Sergeant Lorenzo Duarte with the Santa Barbara Police Department says the man is armed with a handgun and is waving an American flag. Some witnesses say the man is shouting anti-Obama slogans.

The freeway was shut down in both directions at La Cumbre as a precaution and traffic is being diverted through downtown Santa Barbara. The California Highway Patrol reports the freeway closure has caused a massive traffic backup throughout the area. The roadway will remain closed until further notice, according to the CHP.

Dozens of police officers, including members of the Santa Barbara SWAT team, have surrounded the area and are attempting to begin negotiations with the gunman, officials said.

The man’s motive was not immediately known, although he may be suicidal.

Police Lt. Lorenzo Duarte, a department spokesman, said multiple 9-1-1 reports were received about 7:10 a.m. of a man armed with a revolver and waving an American flag and other objects. The man was said to be wearing a ski mask and body armor. SWAT and law-enforcement officers, their weapons drawn, have loosely surrounded the suspect near Calle Real at La Cumbre Plaza and are attempting to enter negotiations with him. So far he has not indicated any willingness to communicate with authorities.

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