'Terrorist' package, threat closed I-25

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A self-described American terrorist whom police said has a mental condition and a history of making threats shut down Interstate 25 at the height of the evening commute Tuesday.

Albuquerque police reported he placed a backpack with electronic gear and some personal things inside on Avenida Cesar Chavez beneath I-25 at about 4:30 p.m. and then called 911.

It's not clear what exactly he said, but it was enough prompt a full response from the Albuquerque Police Department bomb squad and to block traffic in all directions on both the freeway and Cesar Chavez.

When police arrived they found the caller standing in the middle of the street. They arrested him, and demolitions experts neutralized the backpack.

"You have to take these items very, very seriously," APD spokesman John Walsh said. "The moment you don't is when you have a tragedy."

Walsh said the man is in his 50s and has made these kinds of threats before here and elsewhere.

However APD is not releasing his name because they believe he has a mental condition.

The suspect faces multiple felony charges and could be in even more trouble if federal agencies decide to get involved.

The freeway reopened about 5:30 p.m. with traffic flowing again on Avenida Cesar Chavez after that.