Steeleville standoff ends peacefully

STEELEVILLE -- A 30-year-old man surrendered without incident after a police standoff at 608 W. Broadway St. in Steeleville on Friday.

Steeleville Police Chief Lyn Thies said authorities are not releasing the man's name pending any criminal charges. Law enforcement initially responded to the report of a man with a gun.

"Basically, we had a 30-year-old male that was threatening suicide," Thies told media at the scene. "He never threatened anyone else. We were able to get the family members out of the house.

"Basically, just set up a perimeter - I don't know how long we've been out here, probably about an hour or so - we were able to make contact by phone with him."

Thies said the man voluntarily came out of the home and surrendered to police. He was taken into custody at 2:16 p.m.

"No criminal charges at this time on him," Thies said.

The man was transported to a local hospital by MedStar Ambulance for evaluation.

"He will be evaluated at the hospital and they will make a determination whether or not they keep him for treatment," Thies said.

Thies said there were four other occupants inside the home at the time of the call, which came from the house.

At least one of the occupants was a friend of the man, according to Thies.

The SPD is handling the investigation in the case and was assisted by the Randolph County Sheriff's Office, Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Conservation Police and the ISP's tactical SWAT team.

The Herald Tribune will have further updates as they become available.