May 21, 2013
Police used tear gas to successfully end a hostage standoff in Birmingham.
Police Capt. Henry Irby said the standoff began early Saturday when police were called to a home for a report of domestic violence.
When the officers arrived, a man shut the door and refused to come outside.
Witnesses told police they had heard gunfire, and the woman inside was unable to leave.
The Birmingham News reports that negotiators tried to make contact with the man for hours but were unsuccessful.
Around 6 a.m., a special tactics team fired tear gas into the home.
A short while later, the 23-year-old victim came out unharmed.
The 24-year-old suspect emerged and was taken into custody minutes later. His name was not immediately released.
