Man in custody after U.S. 19 standoff

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Clearwater police said a man standing on an overpass on U.S. 19, shutting down the southbound lanes early Monday was taken into custody and Baker Acted.

The 69-year-old man was standing on the overpass at U.S. 19 and Sunset Point with his dog on a leash making incoherent statements and threatening to harm himself, police said. 

The southbound lanes of U.S. 19 were shut down as officers responded. 

Police say the same man was involved in an incident Sunday night at a Wyndham Garden hotel on Gulfview Blvd. where he was involved in a dispute over room charges. Police said he pulled the fire alarm and was seen manipulating ceiling tiles and the hotel had to be evacuated and searched. Nothing was found.

He left before police arrived at the hotel and the incident on U.S. 19 happened a few hours later.

Police say the dog was returned to a family member.

The man, who was not identified, may face criminal charges.