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Suicidal Fort Bliss soldier with gun, who barricaded self in car with infant, surrenders to police

EL PASO, Texas -- A Fort Bliss soldier armed with a shotgun and threatening suicide barricaded himself in a car with an infant Monday afternoon, triggering a standoff with the El Paso police SWAT team.

The incident occurred in the 600 block of Hempstead in west El Paso. Police blocked off the surrounding area as they summoned SWAT to the scene.

A police spokesman said the standoff eventually ended with the armed man surrendering to officers and being arrested. There were no injuries reported.

While police didn't release the identity of the man or provide further details, U.S. Army officials identified him as an active duty soldier stationed at Fort Bliss.

In a statement, the Army said Fort Bliss leaders played a key role in helping police bring the standoff to a peaceful end.

"Following communication with the soldier’s family, leaders immediately responded to the scene, in close coordination with El Paso Police Department. It is largely due to the strong ties between soldier, family, and leaders that the situation was able to be diffused without injury to the soldier or others," the statement said.

The military didn't release the soldier's name, rank or other service details.

Article Topic Follows: ABC-7 Alert Center

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Jim Parker

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