FREMONT, Mich. — A man is in custody Thursday after a dispute with a neighbor led to a barricade situation inside a home in Fremont.
Authorities say officers first responded to a home on E Pine Street around 2 a.m. A 40-year-old man had allegedly threatened his neighbor with a firearm after a dispute, then barricaded himself inside a home. No one else was inside the home.
Teams worked to negotiate with the man for several hours. He peacefully surrendered after a gas canister was thrown into the home by the county Emergency Response Team.
Newaygo County Sheriff Bob Mendham said using the canister was one of the most effective options for handling the situation.
"The negotiations broke down and it was clear that he didn't want to come out at that time, and we certainly don't want to send officers into a situation like that," said Mendham. "So if we can cause a little discomfort and convince him to come out peacefully, that's the best option."
A shelter in place order was issued for several hours in the area of S Division Street and S Merchant Street to Cedar Street and E Maple Street. Authorities said the decision to issue the order was partially due to the proximity of nearby homes.
The shelter in place order has since been lifted.
Investigators say they are working to learn if the suspect and his neighbor had any prior issues. Police are unable to share what the dispute was about while the investigation is ongoing.
Fremont Public Schools are currently on a two-hour delay due to the incident.
This case will be given to the Newaygo County Prosecutor's Office for review once the investigation is complete.
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