Suspicious Vehicle Tried to Enter White House Grounds, Woman Arrested: Secret Service

A woman was arrested

The U.S. Secret Service says it arrested a woman after a suspicious vehicle tried to enter the White House complex on Thursday morning.

A black SUV tried to follow another vehicle that was lawfully allowed past an external checkpoint, the U.S. Secret Service said. The SUV was stopped and an individual was immediately taken into custody, the agency says.

The woman arrested suffers from mental health issues. She is in the custody of D.C. police.

Officers are focused on a black SUV near a checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Pieces of luggage were being emptied onto the ground. Piles of fabric and clothing could be seen near the checkpoint.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and D.C. Police responded, the Secret Service says.

Several road closures were reported in the area, including 17th Street from New York Avenue to H Street and 15th to 17th streets

By 7 a.m., streets began reopening to traffic.

The woman was identified as 42-year-old year old Joy Utokanandu of Texas.

Her ex-husband spoke to NBC 5 in Grand Prairie, Texas, Thursday. He said his ex-wife means no harm and suffers from mental health issues.

Jeffery Akharoh said his ex-wife needs more than time in police custody.

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