SOUTH BEND – A man is in custody following a standoff Monday that drew a large police presence, including the South Bend Police Department’s SWAT Team, at Laurel Woods Apartments.

The incident began around 9:30 a.m. when the St. Joseph County Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Task Force went to the 600 block of Laurel Woods Court in search of a wanted individual. Officers made contact with the man, who reportedly threatened to shoot law enforcement.

Police withdrew and called in the South Bend SWAT Team along with hostage and crisis negotiators. Residents in the building were evacuated as a safety precaution.

The suspect was later identified as Caleb Ringer.

Ringer had multiple outstanding warrants, including serious charges out of Michigan for Parole Violation, Assault Causing Great Bodily Harm, Kidnapping, Domestic Violence, and Home Invasion.

He was also wanted out of Elkhart County for violating probation for the following charges: Intimidation, Theft, Strangulation, Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Criminal Confinement with Bodily Injury, Resisting Law Enforcement, and Domestic Battery.

 

After obtaining a search warrant, our team, assisted by the U.S. Marshals Task Force, announced their presence and entered the residence. A K-9 was deployed, confirming someone was inside. At that point, Ringer barricaded himself in a bathroom, shouting that he was armed and threatening to harm any officer who approached.

SWAT officers deployed distraction devices before taking the suspect into custody around 3 p.m. He was transported to a hospital for evaluation. Another person was removed from the apartment but later released.

Authorities said no serious injuries were reported.