City of La Porte PD on scene for standoff on Belden St.

City of La Porte Police officers responded yesterday to what became an eight-hour standoff with a subject, according to Police Chief Paul Brettin. 

At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, the LaPorte County FAST Team and the City of La Porte Detectives Bureau attempted to serve arrest and search warrants to an individual on the 200 block of Belden Street.

Upon contact, the subject barricaded themselves inside the home, indicating they would cause harm to themselves should the officers enter. Brettin said residents in the immediate area were notified for their safety and many evacuated.

Negotiators from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene and began negotiations with the subject. After approximately eight hours, the standoff ended peacefully with the suspect exiting the home. They were then taken to Northwest Health – La Porte for evaluation.

Brettin said he appreciates the quick assistance and support from the LaPorte County Sherriff’s Office, the LaPorte County FAST team and the Michigan City Police Department. He said the teamwork amongst the departments was what brought this situation to a peaceful close with no injuries to the suspect, citizens or officers.

This is a continuing investigation. More information will be released at a later time. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.