STRONGSVILLE, Ohio — After a standoff involving Strongsville Police that lasted over eight hours, a 26-year-old man was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon.
Just before 5:20 a.m., police were called to a home in the 13400 block of Gary Drive for a 26-year-old man having a mental health crisis. According to Strongsville Police, the caller said the man had a handgun.
When officers arrived, everyone left the house except the 26-year-old armed man.
"Strongsville police arrived on scene shortly thereafter and tried talking to the male, but he went back in the house and barricaded himself in," said Strongsville Police Chief Thomas O'Deens
A perimeter was set up, and the Southwest Enforcement Bureau was activated, police said. The police department also posted on Facebook, asking people to avoid the area. Residents living in the area were asked to "remain indoors and in their basement if possible."
Due to the proximity of the standoff, Whitney Elementary School was closed for the day, police said.
Around 1:40 p.m., Southwest Enforcement Bureau negotiators persuaded the man to come out of the house. The man was then transported to a nearby hospital for a mental health evaluation, police said. The chief told News 5 they’re seeing mental health as a factor in a lot more situations.
"Unfortunately, mental health skyrocketed some of the issues that we're seeing, the police were dealing with it on a daily basis. Especially during the holiday season really the stress, the stressors, the triggers, whatever you want to call them. It's happening in every community. So we're grateful that this one turned out peaceful," said O'Deens.
No injuries were reported, and roads were reopened around 2 p.m., police said.
