Man Believed Armed And Clad In Ballistic Armor Taken Into Custody Outside Big Lots In Palms

PALMS (CBSLA.com) —  An armed suspect held police at bay outside a Big Lots store in Palms, authorities said.

The incident forced officials to close the nearby 405 freeway in both directions.

The incident was reported just after 9:10 p.m.

The man was seen acting erratically. It is unclear if he is under the influence or mentally ill. He was shown hopping around, sometimes on one foot, spinning, gyrating and apparently talking to himself.

It was unclear if the suspect robbed the location or attempted to. The man is wearing a black hat and black shirt.

He was also seen brandishing a weapon.

A Sky9 chopper and LAPD helicopter spotted the suspect on the top of a parking structure at National and Sepulveda.

Police took the man into custody just before 9:45 p.m.

Officials reopened the 405 in both directions a few minutes later.