PLEASANT GROVE, Utah – A man who barricaded himself inside a Pleasant Grove home for more than six hours after firing a rifle outside and pointing it at police has been taken into custody.

Captain Britt Smith with the Pleasant Grove Police Department said an adult male who lives in the area discharged a firearm numerous times before pointing the firearm at innocent bystanders around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.

“This was absolutely a mental health issue,” Smith said.

Residents who live along 500 North between 500 and 600 East were asked to shelter in place during the nearly-six hour standoff.

Smith said law enforcement officers surrounded the home and the suspect barricaded himself inside. Police used tear gas, exchanged gunfire with the suspect and finally went into the home to bring him out Tuesday evening.

No injuries were reported but Smith said at least one officer returned fire at the suspect earlier in the day.

That officer will go on paid leave pending an investigation.

The suspect could face numerous charges and while officers acknowledged mental health came into play here, they said once a person points a gun and fires at people, it turns criminal.

Officers from the Pleasant Grove, Lehi, American Fork and Lone Peak police departments assisted in the response.