KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department responded to a disturbance Wednesday morning near 13th and Main streets downtown.
A police spokesperson said an officer was working in an off-duty capacity at 9 a.m. at Cosentino's, the grocery store located at 13th and Main, when he observed a man attempt to shoplift.
When the officer made contact with the man, he threatened the officer with a sharp object.
KCPD said the officer backed away and called for backup. The man then barricaded himself inside the grocery store's entrance vestibule, refusing to exit and making threatening statements to those nearby him.
Shoppers were safely assisted outside the business as officers cleared the area and set up a perimeter.
Negotiators made contact with the man and attempted to peacefully convince him to exit the store.
However, after unsuccessful attempts, "less-lethal options were utilized, allowing officers to safely take the subject into custody," per KCPD.
KCPD later clarified the "less-lethal options" included a flash bang and the ARWEN, which deploys "less-lethal munitions" similar to a bean bag round.
The standoff was resolved with no injuries around 10:30 a.m.
Police said the man was taken to a mental-health evaluation, and crisis intervention workers responded with possible resources.
RideKC sent a text around 9:30 a.m. to notify KC Streetcar riders service was suspended due to police activity nearby. The police activity was not related to the streetcar.
By 10:50 a.m., a message was sent notifying riders streetcar service had resumed.
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