Police use robot to deliver vape pen, ending Calif. standoff
Police were able to deliver a vape pen to the suspect with the help of robot during a standoff
by Police1 Staff
NOVOTO, Calif. — Police brought an hour-long standoff to an end with the help of negotiators and a robot.
The Jan. 12 incident occurred when the suspect, Juan Roman, became upset with a gas station manager over an issue with the pump, Marin Independent Journal reports. After arguing with employees, Roman returned to the store with a can of gas, poured it on the floor and attempted to light it on fire. He then fled the scene.
Caught On Camera: Suspect seen trying to allegedly set Novato convenience store on fire after dousing floor w/ gasoline. #abc7now @NovatoPolice pic.twitter.com/PP6Xm8mbhT
— Cornell Barnard (@CornellBarnard) January 13, 2019
Police found Roman at a second gas station and called for backup when they thought they caught sight of a gun. A SWAT team and negotiators showed up, who used a robot to deliver a phone to the suspect.
The negotiators spoke with Roman for six hours before he agreed to surrender on the condition her get some cigarettes. Police were worried that he might’ve splashed gas on himself, so they offered an alternative: a vape pen.
The pen was delivered with the robot and Roman surrendered without further incident.
He was arrested and charged with attempted arson and vandalism.
Novato Standoff Ends Peacefully**Standoff Ends Peacefully** This morning CHP Air-37, CHP H-30, and CHP - Marin assisted the Novato Police Department with a felony suspect who refused to surrender at the Safeway in Novato. After hours long standoff the suspect peacefully surrendered to law enforcement negotiators. CHP Aircraft frequently assist allied agencies by providing updates from above at major incidents throughout the state. The Novato Police Department are investigating several crimes and will determine what the suspect will be charged with.
Posted by CHP - Golden Gate Division Air Operations on Saturday, January 12, 2019
