East Ridge police were involved in a four-hour SWAT-team standoff today that ended without a shot being fired.

It began around 8:30 a.m. when officers responded to 1301 B St. Thomas St. in reference to a man with an altered mental status who was threatening to harm himself, said Officer Erik Hopkins, police spokesman.

Officers quickly made contact with the subject by telephone, Officer Hopkins said. The man stated that he was armed with a gun and would shoot officers if they approached. The East Ridge SWAT team was activated, and a perimeter established.

East Ridge police negotiators responded in an attempt to defuse the situation. Negotiators worked for almost four hours in an effort to have the man come out of the home peacefully, Officer Hopkins said. As the standoff continued and negotiations began to break down the man became increasingly irate and continued to threaten officers.

SWAT officers then deployed a chemical device to subdue the subject and entered the home, Officer Hopkins said. The man was taken into custody and taken to Parkridge East Hospital for a mental evaluation.

No charges had been filed as of this evening.