11 arrested from armed group of men claiming not to recognize laws after standoff
The men are 'claiming to be from a group that does not recognize our laws,' police in Wakefield said.
WAKEFIELD, Mass. -- Police arrested 11 from an armed group of men claiming to "not recognize our laws" after a standoff with police in Massachusetts that shut down a major highway during the busy holiday weekend and prompted shelter-in-place orders.
The bizarre incident played out Saturday morning after a state trooper saw a group of eight to 10 men in military-style uniforms refueling their vehicle on the side of 1-95 around 1:30 a.m. in Wakefield, about 10 miles north of Boston.
The men -- who carried tactical gear like body cameras and helmets and had long guns slung over their shoulders -- told the trooper they were on their way to Maine from Rhode Island for "training."
During the traffic stop, two arrests were made. The rest of the group, identifying themselves as "Moorish American Arms," fled into a wooded area. Nine were detained by 10:45 a.m. local time, and two more suspects were found in their vehicles.
All 11 suspects are expected to appear in district court Tuesday morning, Suffolk County District Attorney Marian Ryan said at a press briefing Saturday. Ryan said the individuals, all men, will appear on firearm and other charges.
The standoff shut down part of I-95 in Wakefield in both directions, prompting heavy traffic as people hit the road for the Fourth of July weekend. It remains partially closed.
Residents in Wakefield and nearby Reading were advised to lock their doors and shelter in place. Wakefield police said in its statement that no threats had been made but the men were considered armed and dangerous. No injuries or shots fired have been reported.
Massachusetts officials said the group claimed it "does not recognize our laws." ABC News is asking federal officials whether or not this group is known for extremism.
WATCH: MA officials give update on heavily-armed standoff
