Cortland City Police Chief Frank Catalano addressing reporters Friday afternoon near the Hampton Inn on River Street, Cortland, N.Y. (Cortland Voice)
CORTLAND, N.Y. — Authorities remain at the scene of an active standoff situation at the Hampton Inn in Cortland that began at around 4 a.m. Friday.
Cortland City Police Chief Frank Catalano held a press conference Friday afternoon a few hundred yards from the hotel parking lot to update local news media on the situation, telling reporters that "the situation is continuing," referring to the man—who may be armed—locked in a hotel room at the Hampton Inn.
At around 3 a.m., Broome County sheriff's deputies spotted the suspect, who was wanted on a parole violation, at the Walmart in Johnson City with another woman. They both fled in a vehicle and began traveling toward Cortland County. Along the way, police used deflation devices to blow out the suspect's tires, but he still managed to make it to his apparent destination.
"We know he did drive around the city on a flat tire after our deflation devices were used," Chief Catalano said. He was able to get in a room before we could catch up with him." The suspect's vehicle was later removed from the scene by Rick & Rich Towing.
Related: Standoff situation at Cortland's Hampton Inn
At around 12 p.m., the woman traveling with the suspect was allowed to leave the room. She is currently speaking with investigators regarding the suspect, Catalano said.
Catalano could not confirm reports that the man had already booked a room at the hotel, which would have allowed him quick access to a room. He says that investigators continue to negotiate with the man who remains locked in his hotel room.
The Cortland County Sheriff's Office and New York State Police are assisting city police at the scene. River Street remains closed between Cleveland Street and Clinton Avenue as the situation continues.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
