Watch CBS News

Police: Man In Custody After Making Threats In Northfield

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Authorities say a man is in custody after threats to harm prompted a police standoff and lock down of schools in Northfield in what was deemed a dangerous situation for several hours Tuesday afternoon.

The Northfield Police Department responded at about 2:50 p.m. to the area of Harbor Drive and Ford Street E. When officers arrived, a man claimed to be in his home armed with firearms and threatening harm. Officers and members of the Rice County Emergency Response Unit responded, created a perimeter and made attempts to contact the man.

Northfield police urged residents who may be in the area to lock their doors, stay inside and keep their children inside. Students in the area were also not allowed to leave school unless a parent came to pick them up.

The Northfield Police Department said the suspect, identified as 46-year-old Mark Thomas Hawanchak, likely fled the area in a van before authorities got to the scene. He was taken into custody at about 5 p.m. in Inver Grove Heights.

What led up to the incident is under investigation.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.