Man barricaded inside Chisago City business, police say avoid the area

Authorities in Chisago City are telling residents to avoid the area of Liberty Lane Tuesday afternoon due to an ongoing mental health crisis.

CHISAGO CITY, Minn. (FOX 9) - Authorities in Chisago City say an adult male is barricaded inside his workplace Tuesday night making threats to himself and the building, forcing evacuations of residents and businesses in the area.

Chisago City incident

What we know:

The Lakes Area Police Department, which serves Lindstrom and Chisago City, says the Chisago County Communications Center received a report at about 11 a.m. Tuesday of a person having a mental health crisis at a business on Liberty Lane. The area is primarily manufacturing and industrial.

Authorities say a 39-year-old male entered his workplace, barricaded himself inside the business and threatened to set it on fire. The Chisago County SWAT Team was activated to approach the building and communicate with the man. Authorities say as of 5 p.m., negotiations are ongoing and the man has not voluntarily come out of the building. The Anoka County SWAT Team was also called into provide assistance.

Businesses, homes evacuated

Why you should care:

Authorities say due to some chemicals being stored on site and out of an abundance of caution, nearby businesses and residents were evacuated. Crisis negotiators are on scene attempting to resolve the situation. Residents of about 35 homes were evacuated, as have five businesses with a combined 200 employees.