Palatine standoff ends without injuries

A standoff between Palatine police and a man threatening to kill himself in a rented townhouse ended without injuries Saturday morning.

An ambulance and a police unit complete with shields, high-powered weapons and bulletproof vests barricaded the 600 block of Thornhill Lane for about two hours while responding to the report.

Deputy Chief Alan Stoeckel said the man, who's name is not being released, made threats about harming himself but was not specific about what he intended to do. That caused police to respond with the full precautionary measures of a hostage-type situation.

Stoeckel said the man was alone in the two-story home when police arrived. Officers forced their way in and secured the man without incident. The man was then taken to a hospital for treatment.

Stoeckel said officers searched the home and did not find any weapons. Stoeckel said neighbors were not in any danger at any time.

“This definitely looked like a big deal, but it really was nothing because of how it ended,” Stoeckel said.