By SALINA POST
A Salina man was taken into custody Thursday following a standoff at Candlewood Suites that involved threats, property damage, and a confrontation with Salina Police Department officers.
According to Salina Police Captain James Feldman, officers responded to a report at 10 a.m. of a man attempting to force entry into Goodwill at 2640 Planet Avenue. The suspect, identified as Chase Mann, was reportedly using a knife to pry open the front door while yelling at employees, demanding clothing. Police said there was no damage to the door.
When officers arrived, Mann allegedly pulled a pocketknife and pointed it at an officer. After being given verbal commands, Mann fled the scene. An officer deployed a taser, but it was ineffective.
Mann then entered Candlewood Suites, 2650 Planet Avenue, where police said he threatened employees and entered a room that was being cleaned by three workers.
Feldman said the workers, all females from Saline County, fled room after Mann allegedly threatened them with the knife. Inside the room, Mann reportedly caused more than $1,500 in damage by stabbing the walls and furniture.
Officers secured the room and attempted to negotiate with Mann, but he refused to surrender. Salina SWAT was deployed to assist. After negotiations failed, SWAT officers opened an exterior window and observed Mann lying on the bed. Verbal commands were issued, but Mann did not comply. Officers then used a less-lethal rubber projectile, which prompted Mann to surrender.
Mann was taken into custody at 11:58 a.m. and transported to a hospital for evaluation. He was later booked into the Saline County Jail on multiple charges, including aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, criminal threat, and felony damage to property.
No injuries were reported during the incident.