Iqaluit (Jun 26/06) - A man who police say was threatening to harm himself surrendered to the RCMP following two tense hours on June 18.

Police blocked roads to traffic in the area, warned neighbours of possible danger and, armed with shotguns, surrounded the house on Sinaa Street, taking cover behind adjacent dwellings.

At 2:53 p.m. the 26-year-old man emerged through the back door of his residence and gave up without further incident.

A concerned family member had contacted the authorities to report that the man might be a danger to himself, Cpl. Randy Slawson said. There were weapons in the house, but the individual wasn't seen with one during the confrontation, Slawson noted.

He was arrested under the Mental Health Act, taken to the hospital for a psychological assessment and later released.

No charges are anticipated, according to an RCMP press release. The incident caught the attention of scores of bystanders who watched from the Nakasuk school parking lot and Northmart, even as light rain fell.

"Holy cow, I never seen nothing like this," said one woman as an SUV raced to the scene and four members of the RCMP's emergency response team jumped out and took position.

"I hope they don't shoot anybody."