Car Crashes Into Barricade at US Capitol Building

— -- A motorist ignored calls to stop and smashed his car into a security barricade at the U.S. Capitol building Friday morning, putting the US Capitol on high alert.

The maroon Nissan Altima, which had Florida plates, hit a security barricade at Independence Avenue and New Jersey Avenue Southeast, at the South entrance to the US Capitol grounds just before 9 a.m..

The car did not make it past the barricade, which did not sustain any damage. Police have since reopened the entrance, which is used by members when Congress is in session.

Capitol Police have charged the driver, 51-year-old Antonio Pierorazio, with felony destruction of property and unlawful entry. He remains in police custody.

Sources tell ABC News that Pierorazio ignored calls to stop when approaching the Capitol checkpoint and then sped up and rammed into barricade.

He later told investigators he did it because he believed the FBI was following him and he wanted to get in contact with them. He also claimed he has a lawsuit against an insurance carrier that he wants people to know about, according to sources.

The vehicle was taken to a DC Metropolitan Police lab for further review, according to a Capitol Police officer on the scene.