St. Paul police arrest man they say tried to set house on fire during standoff Saturday
This file photo shows a St. Paul Police Department squad car. (KSTP/file)
A 32-year-old man was arrested Saturday night after St. Paul responders de-escalated a standoff that police tell 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS was a “potential tragic situation.”
St. Paul police officers, firefighters, SWAT team members and negotiators responded to a domestic incident around 3:30 p.m. Saturday on the 400 block of Hope Street.
Police say officers were confronted by a man with a knife upon arrival. Responders escorted all other residents from the home and set a perimeter.
The man inside then attempted to set the house on fire, but firefighters turned off the natural gas line and controlled the fire.
Police say they arrested the man around 9 p.m. after they got a search warrant.
The man was evaluated for possible smoke exposure at a hospital before being taken to Ramsey County Jail.
Charges related to the standoff events have not been posted. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.