LA GRANDE — A 71-year-old male was safely taken into custody Saturday afternoon in La Grande after he fired a .22-caliber rifle into the ground in his backyard and threatened to harm himself.

Law enforcement officials responded to a residence on South 12th Street in La Grande at 2:53 p.m. Saturday, according to a news release from the La Grande Police Department.

La Grande Police Department officers, assisted by Union County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Oregon State Police troopers, worked to contain the area to ensure public safety. South 12th Street was temporarily closed between Taurus Avenue and Linda Lane. A command post was established, and officers were able to communicate with the man.

The man, who was not identified, remained armed and in close proximity to the firearm during most of the incident, the news release said.

At 4:49 p.m., about two hours after the initial call, the man was taken into custody and transported to Grande Ronde Hospital for evaluation.

No one was injured during the incident, the news release said.

A crisis counselor from the Center for Human Development assisted with the incident, and neighbors, family and friends also provided support, the news release said.

Investigation into the incident continues, Chief of Police Gary Bell said in the news release, and while charges of unlawful use of a weapon may be pending, the man’s immediate mental health needs are being addressed first.