SUDBURY -- A 30-year-old man in emotional distress was convinced to give himself up following a four-hour standoff Sunday at an apartment building on Bruce Street in Sudbury.

Greater Sudbury Police responded to the call just after 5 p.m. Initial reports said the man was armed with an axe and was attempting to enter one of the units in the building.

"Upon arriving on scene, officers found the man on the balcony of a unit located on the 15th floor of the building," police said in a news release Monday. "The man was in emotional distress and there were concerns that the man was a danger to himself. However, at no point did officers see an axe in his possession."

Crisis negotiators

After securing the area, two officers began speaking with the man from an adjacent balcony. They were soon replaced by officers trained in crisis negotiations, who arrived on scene and took over communications with the man.

"While speaking with the man, he told officers that he had locked himself out of his unit and that he was cold," police said. "The man agreed that officers could enter his apartment, unlock the balcony door and leave, allowing him to go inside."

When the man went inside his unit, emergency response officers rappelled down onto his balcony to ensure he couldn't go back outside, greatly reducing the risk of self-harm.

"Negotiators continued communications with the man until just after 9 p.m. when he peacefully surrendered to officers," police said. "The 30-year-old man was transported to hospital to receive the treatment and services that he requires.

"We would like to commend everyone involved in this call for de-escalating a volatile situation and coming to a peaceful resolution. Great work by everyone involved."