Police defuse situation involving man with shotgun

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Police quickly ended what initially was thought to be a hostage situation Saturday before the matter became something serious.

Officers were called to the East Avondale location about 7:15 p.m. for what officers believed to be a hostage situation.

Negotiators were summoned to the home, and the street was blocked in both directions.

Police said an elderly East Avondale resident, who has medical issues and was intoxicated, heard someone walking around his home and emerged from the home with a shotgun. The man went back into the house but came out peacefully after police converged on the area.

The man was questioned by police and released at the scene.

No arrests were made.