Update: Comments From Chief Ford: Alton Police Officers End Broadway Standoff With A Man Peacefully Without Violence

ALTON — A man possibly armed with a weapon surrendered peacefully to Alton police Tuesday afternoon, May 26, 2026, after officers responded to the area behind My Just Desserts at 31 East Broadway in Alton.

Several police officers responded to the call about the man on Broadway as onlookers gathered in the busy area during the incident.

Alton Police were armed with weapons, but also seen with a bean-bag gun, a non-lethal weapon that shoots a projectile to subdue a suspect when needed. Officers also brought a canine to the scene. The vehicle and the man in question were behind the My Just Desserts restaurant.

These are comments from Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford about the situation on Tuesday afternoon:

"On Tuesday, 05/26/26, at approximately 2:13 P.M., Alton Police Officers responded to a report of a male, armed with a handgun, in an apparent mental health crisis outside a business in the first block of East Broadway in Alton.

"Officers arrived on scene and located the male inside a vehicle. Officers made telephone contact with the male and began negotiations, which lasted over 30 minutes, before he voluntarily exited the vehicle unarmed. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital for medical care.

"There is no ongoing threat to the public, and there is no evidence that the male was intending to harm anyone other than himself."

Chief Ford continued and said, "These types of situations evolve quickly and can be dangerous. I’m thankful this incident was negotiated to a peaceful resolution. The officers did a fantastic job. It is my hope that the individual accepts the medical care being provided to him and that he continues to take care of his mental health over time."

The Alton Fire Department was on standby in the area and was called to check the subject after he surrendered.

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