Police 'standoff' ends in Sarasota after police determine man was not suspect in crime

SARASOTA -- The Sarasota Police department has called off requests for a voluntary evacuation of Cheryle Lane and Sydelle Street after an investigation in the area.

The SWAT team responded Monday night to a report that a man barricaded himself inside his house in the 2700 block of Cheryle Lane with a firearm and was in distress over the possibility of having to go to jail, according to Genevieve Judge, a spokeswoman with the Sarasota Police Department. Police investigated the claims made by one of the man's relatives and determined the man did not commit a crime and did not need police assistance, Judge said.

Some residents chose to evacuate earlier this evening while others stayed in their homes, Judge said. A SWAT team and crisis negotiations units members were on the scene, which is now being cleared.

No charges are pending.

This story was originally published December 28, 2015 at 9:59 PM with the headline "Police 'standoff' ends in Sarasota after police determine man was not suspect in crime."