I-24 bridge blocked by truck driver who didn't want to drive any more

The I-24 Ohio River bridge was blocked on Thursday night when a truck driver stopped on the bridge and apparently decided he didn't want to drive any further.

McCracken County Deputies responded to what was believed to be a motorist assist on the bridge around 7:00 PM. By the time deputies arrived at the bridge, traffic had already backed up past Exit 3 on the westbound side. 

Deputies had to request assistance from the Metropolis Police Department since the deputies couldn't get through the one-lane restrictions on the bridge.

Once emergency personnel arrived at the tractor trailer that was stopped on the bridge, they determined that there were no mechanical issues with the vehicle. The operator of the vehicle, 32-year-old Zaire Thompson of Yeadon, Pennsylvania, stated to authorities that he no longer wished to drive. Deputies, during their interaction with Thompson, determined that he was under the influence of an intoxicant. 

Deputies arrested Thompson and the semi was towed to the Illinois side of the bridge.

Traffic on the westbound side of the I24 bridge was stopped for approximately one hour.

Thompson  was charged with DUI, possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle, disorderly conduct, obstructing a highway, and improper parking/blocking of a highway. 

He was lodged in the McCracken County Jail.