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SWAT standoff in West Homestead prompted by man accused in '08 standoff, police say

WEST HOMESTEAD, Pa. — Police said an hours-long SWAT standoff in West Homestead Tuesday morning ended peacefully.

According to investigators, the incident began around midnight at Hotel Parry on Seventh Avenue.

Officials said someone called 911 after getting into an argument with a couple who live at the hotel.

Channel 11’s Dave Bondy reported that when police got there, the man and woman went to their room to get their identifications, but didn’t come out.

Investigators said the man, identified as Charles Cottle, made numerous threats to police during the five-hour ordeal. Several area homes were also evacuated during the standoff.

After negotiating with the man, the situation ended with no injuries. Both Cottle and the woman were taken into custody. Cottle is facing probation violation charges. The name of the woman was not released.

Cottle, police said, is the same man who was involved in a standoff with police at a McKeesport Bank in 2008.

In that case, Cottle claimed he had a bomb and held eight people hostage for about 45 minutes. No one was hurt and no bomb was found.