A nine-hour standoff came to a dramatic end on the evening of January 20, with SWAT shooting tear gas into a suspect’s home on Fry Avenue.

The situation started at 2:30pm Saturday afternoon at 1325 Fry Avenue, when EMS crews were called to the home of Jason Pollack, 31. He had become despondent after his family called for EMS to take him to the hospital for psychological testing. He became hostile when they arrived, so they called for police backup.

When the officers arrived, the man threatened to light several propane and oxygen tanks, and implode the house. Police retreated, and left the man in his home. The man refused to come out, leading to the standoff.

Westshore SWAT was deployed at 6pm. At 6:30 pm, as a precaution, the police & fire departments evacuated approximately 150 homes nearby, and CERT was deployed.

A robot, attempting to dialogue with the man was sent in, with little result. Just before midnight, officers sent tear gas into the home, which forced the man to the front door, opening and slamming it shut, as if to taunt the officers. They sent more tear gas into the home, forcing the man onto the porch. Officers quickly swarmed him and took him into custody.

Residents were offered shelter at Lakewood High School, where the Red Cross provided food, cots, and coffee. Over 50 residents were still at the shelter as of Sunday morning.

According to police, no one was injured in the standoff, and they’re working with the Prosecutor to determine what charges will be filed against Pollack.