After 14-hour standoff with police, SWAT units find home empty

Michigan state police officers believed they had a delicate situation on their hands.

After a man allegedly attacked his neighbour with a shovel, it was believed he returned home with authorities fearing he was armed and dangerous.

Officers cordoned off the area around his house on Mifflin Avenue in Lansing at 10.30pm on Thursday (6 July) and a tense standoff ensued.

Police used loud speakers to try and communicate with the suspect and skilled negotiators were at the ready, but after hours at a standstill, a decision was made to escalate the situation and armed tactical units were called in.

They came prepared with smoke grenades and battery rams and after 14 hours of waiting, Special Weapons and Tactics units (SWAT) were given the go ahead to storm the building.

Two dozen officers slowly approached the house before kicking the door down, but when they finally entered, they found the house completely empty.

Now, Michigan state police have no idea of the suspect's whereabouts and have called on the public to help.

Though the individual's name has not been released, Lansing Township Police Chief Adam Kline said he's a 47-year-old man, 6-feet-2-inches tall and weighs roughly 200 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing cut off jean shorts and a brown T-shirt.

The man is wanted on felony charges for assault.