Man detained after standoff at Stephens Lake Park

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man was detained by police following a multi-hour standoff at Stephens Lake Park on Monday.

The Columbia Police Department urged the public to avoid Stephens Lake Park on Monday afternoon as police tried to talk down a man having a mental health crisis.

"Please avoid Stephens Lake Park! Columbia Police are currently responding to an active incident. We're asking the public to avoid the area while the incident unfolds," CPD wrote in a social media post.

An ABC 17 News reporter saw officers with rifles at the scene. A CPD spokesman said police were sent to the park at about 2:20 p.m. for a call of a suicidal person. The man had a knife and had threatened "suicide by cop."

Police were trying to negotiate his safe surrender a little after 4 p.m. A K-9 and the SWAT team were on the scene at 6:18 p.m. Police appeared to use cannisters at 6:49 p.m. and the man was put in handcuffs shortly after.   

The park on East Broadway is one of the city's largest and most popular, a frequent stop for exercise enthusiasts and picnickers.

Check back for updates to this developing story.