A burglary suspect who entered one home in Pacoima Thursday and then barricaded himself inside a neighboring residence was taken into custody by SWAT officers after tear gas was deployed and robots were used in an effort to secure his surrender.
Residents inside the home were able to escape safely, according to the Los Angeles Police Department officers .
Officers responded at 2:40 a.m. Thursday to reports of a burglary in the 13200 block of Pinney Street, north of Van Nuys Boulevard.
A SWAT team was called to assist, and after tear gas was deployed around 7:45 a.m., the house appeared to catch fire, according to reports from the scene.
Firefighters moved in under police protection and extinguished flames visible inside the residence.
The suspect, who was shirtless, was taken into custody just before 8 a.m. and placed into an ambulance.
Intersections surrounding the home were closed for public safety.
The suspect is known to the residents, who reported there was a gun inside the home, according to Fox 11.
The man reportedly previously lived in the neighborhood and had recent conflicts with neighbors, some of whom were evacuated about 3 a.m.