Sioux Falls VA spokesperson says 'no threat' to patients or staff as police respond to 'mental health' incident

Sioux Falls police say an incident that caused a couple road closures and part of the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center-Sioux Falls to go into lockdown Friday afternoon was not criminal in nature. 

Lt. Andrew Siebenborn told the Argus Leader the lockdown and issue was resolved as of 12:37 p.m. after being initially called in at 9:40 a.m. Friday. Officers cordoned off parts of 22nd Street near the VA and employees had been told to stay in place at the VBA Regional Office at the facility, Argus Leader reporters confirmed.

The incident was described as "mental health-related." No arrests were made or injuries reported, Siebenborn said.

"It was it was off VA property, but near their property, but was not on their property," Siebenborn said.

Officers with assault rifles were present on scene, but Siebenborn said it was out of caution. The incident was "contained" and the shutdown of 22nd Street was to give police a secure area to work in.

Before the incident was resolved, media personnel on scene were asked to leave the area.

"It was just helping us facilitate the end of the resolution," Siebenborn said.

No threat was present to media members.

"That'd be the first time I've asked but we will make requests of anyone if we think that's gonna possibly resolve a mental health related incident," Siebenborn said.

There were also no threat to patients or staff at the VA, confirmed Stephanie Weidler, the acting VA public affairs officer.

At about 12:45 p.m., an officer gave some sort of a hand signal, and shortly after, dozens of people in civilian clothing were seen walking out of the medical center to their vehicles.

It's unclear where exactly the individual is located in that area, but reporters worked with police to find a safe place to continue reporting on the situation.