UPDATED: Hostage situation forces lockdown at Mt. Shasta hospital

UPDATE: Siskiyou County Sheriff Jon Lopey says the hostage situation started as a mental health call.

According to Lopey, a man came into the emergency department with his wife. At some point after he entered the emergency room, he brought out a knife and took his wife hostage.

While waiting for hostage negotiators, California Highway Patrol, Mt. Shasta Police Department and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, along with a physician who built trust with the man, were able to gain access to the room and take the man into custody.

“This illustrates the challenges our law enforcement and our health care workers face with mental illness in the community,” said Sheriff Lopey shortly after the situation ended.

There’s no word on whether the man will face charges.

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Mt. Shasta, Cal.- A hostage situation put a Mt. Shasta hospital on an internal lockdown Friday morning.

According to hospital representatives, the hostage situation started about 10 a.m. in Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta’s emergency department. Representatives could not say whether those involved were patients, hospital staff or others.

Mt. Shasta Police Department responded and called Siskiyou County for assistance. The issue was resolved within 20 minutes.

No one was hurt during the situation.

This is a developing story. Check back with NBC5 for updates.