Guests evacuated in Hilton downtown Mpls. standoff

Minneapolis police took a man into custody after a five-hour standoff at a downtown hotel on Thursday afternoon.

Police received reports that a reportedly armed man was threatening staff at the Hilton Minneapolis on Marquette Avenue South at about 2:30 p.m., according to spokesperson John Elder.

While police talked to the man, they evacuated guests from the hotel's 22nd floor, where Elder said the man had locked himself in his room.

"We opened up a conversation with the individual who refused to open the door or exit — after five hours of conversation he agreed to come out," Elder said. "He came out and peacefully surrendered and was taken into custody."

The man was arrested at about 8 p.m. and booked into the Hennepin County jail for probable cause second-degree assault for his behavior toward hotel staff. Elder said a gun was recovered in the hotel room.

The hotel is hosting the National Association of Black Journalists convention. Elder said hotel staff and the journalists both cooperated to help resolve the situation. Police say there was no direct threat to the public or to the journalists at the convention.