Police standoff lasts through the night

A standoff that began Wednesday evening with a suicidal woman lasted throughout the night but ended peacefully Thursday morning, according to Kalispell police.

An initial report of a suicidal woman was made at 6:21 p.m. Wednesday. The woman, armed with a handgun, was inside a house on Sinopah Street.

Police responded with a special response team and crisis negotiators, as well as the BEAR armored vehicle.

Before 7 p.m., the woman’s son came out of the house.

Communication with the woman was difficult, according to police. Negotiators were able to reach the woman by text messages, but police say that she would only demand to see her daughter and husband.

She stopped texting by 4 a.m. Hours later, police shot gas canisters into the home.

By 8:20 a.m., the woman exited the house and surrendered. She was taken to  Kalispell Regional Medical Center for evaluation.

No shots were fired and no major injuries were reported. The woman had a minor injury, according to police.