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.
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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.
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