Stevens Point neighborhood evacuated after man threatens to blow up his house

Stevens Point Police Department.
Stevens Point Police Department.

STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) -- Saturday night proved to be a tense evening in one Stevens Point neighborhood after a resident threatened to blow his house up.

It happened just after 5:15 in the 600 block of Washington Avenue. Law enforcement says one of the man's neighbors informed them of the threat.

Officers were able to make contact with the suspect and determined that he was attempting to cause an explosion with natural gas and an open flame.

As a precaution, every home in a one-block radius of the suspect's house was evacuated. Residents were allowed to return to their homes by 6 PM.

The suspect has not been identified, but police say it is an individual who was "known" to them. He was taken to a nearby hospital for a mental health screening.

Charges have not yet been filed against the man but could include attempted arson.

No one was injured in the incident and there was no damage to any property.