Cops Gas Gunman to End Standoff: Police

JOLIET, IL — The SWAT team fired tear gas into a Brentwood Place home after a man fired a gun four times during a nearly seven-hour-long standoff, police said.

The 61-year-old man was taken into custody about 4:30 a.m. Monday morning and transported to Presence St. Joseph Medical Center for an evaluation, said Joliet Deputy Police Chief Al Roechner, and criminal charges are pending.

Relatives of the man reportedly called the cops about 9:45 p.m. Sunday after they weren’t able to get hold of him. Officers went to the house but no one answered the door.

The man suffers from heart and kidney ailments, police said, and concerned family asked for officers to force their way into the house. Officers reportedly broke a window, unlocked the door and announced their presence. A gunshot then rang out, Roechner said. The officers again identified themselves and a second shot was reportedly fired. The officers then backed off and set up a perimeter.

Two more shots were fired after the cops retreated, police said. The SWAT team and hostage negotiators were called in and police were able to reach the man via telephone, but he reportedly would not speak with them.

After obtaining a search warrant, the SWAT team breached the front door and fired tear gas into the house, Roechner said. The man then exited the residence and surrendered.

The police were reportedly still searching the man’s house Monday morning.

The standoff on Brentwood Place | submitted photo