Standoff With Armed Man 'Resolved Peacefully' In Carlsbad

CARLSBAD, CA — A distraught man armed with a gun peacefully surrendered Friday following a 16-hour standoff with police in Carlsbad.

Authorities responded around 7:15 p.m. Thursday to reports of a person in distress in a parking lot on Loker Avenue West, just north of Palomar Airport Road, according to the Carlsbad Police Department. Police created a perimeter around the man who was in a vehicle, while negotiations took place through the night and into the morning with crisis negotiators.

Police asked businesses along Loker Avenue West to delay opening Friday morning out of an abundance of caution, said Carlsbad police spokesperson Denise Ramirez. Authorities also closed Loker Avenue West from Palomar Airport Road to just west of El Fuerte Street.

Shortly before 11:30 a.m., the 54-year-old man surrendered without incident. He was taken to a hospital for assessment and care. His name was not released.

"We would like to thank our community for their patience and for avoiding the area so we could bring this difficult situation to a peaceful conclusion," Carlsbad Police Chief Mickey Williams said in a statement. "This incident really shows the value of de-escalation training, especially related to people who may be having a mental health crisis."