UPDATE: Rescue Police negotiate with gunman hiding in car outside Market Street motel near downtown – The AU Times

Redding police who have flooded the parking lot of a motel on Market Street near downtown say they are trying to negotiate with a man who is in his car with a gun and can’t get out.

At about 5:45 p.m., police said they had received a tip that a man was wanted for a crime at the Market Street Manor Motel near downtown Redding.

Officers arrived at the scene to arrest him as he got into the car to leave. said Capt. Brian Cole of the Redding Police Department. “He is armed with a firearm,” so police called in the SWAT team and the Crisis Intervention Response Team to help.

Members of the Crisis Intervention Response Team are negotiating with him on the phone, Cole said. “We’re trying to take it as slowly as possible to get him to give up safely so no one gets hurt.”

Police escorted guests out of the hotel so they are not in danger, Cole said.

Police are asking motorists and pedestrians to stay away, he says.

Negotiations are still ongoing, police said at 8 p.m

Original story

A heavy police presence was seen early Thursday night in a Market Street motel parking lot near downtown Redding.

Police have cordoned off Market Street Manor Motel and cordoned off Market Street near Mallory’s Flowers & Gifts store. A helicopter hovered over the area.

Police warned drivers on social media to avoid the Market Street area near the motel due to their presence, but did not say what prompted them to come out.

Law enforcement officers could be seen throwing what looked like tear gas into one of the rooms, and at least one officer wiped his eyes after four or five loud bursts.

More: Lawsuit to obtain data on former Sheriff Magrini investigation moves forward

A reporter from Record Searchlight is on the scene. Check back in this story for updates.

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Man Hiding in Car Outside Market Street Motel in Redding