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Savannah gunman surrenders
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SAVANNAH — A gunman surrendered after barricading himself inside a landmark restaurant in a standoff that closed parts of the 18th-century city's historic district for more than three hours Thursday.

Savannah-Chatham County police spokeswoman Gena Sullivan said the man was taken into custody without incident after a SWAT team entered the upscale Olde Pink House restaurant.

The standoff that began around 8 a.m. shut down streets, squares and tourist spots in the city.

There were no hostages and no reports of any injuries, Sullivan said.

Police had closed Reynolds Square, where the restaurant is located, and nearby Johnson Square as well as surrounding streets.

The Savannah College of Art and Design, which has buildings in the area, sent an alert to the entire campus, school spokeswoman Patricia Roche said. School administrators advised anyone in the area to stay inside and urged everyone else to avoid the area.

The Olde Pink House restaurant, located in an 18th-century mansion and named for its pink stucco facade, is nestled on Reynolds Square, one of the many picturesque squares throughout Savannah's historic district.

Local bankruptcy attorney Shari Smith was among residents and tourists trying to find their way through the area.

Smith found the route between a downtown parking garage and a hearing she needed to attend had become an obstacle course of police tape and patrol cars blocking her way.

"I'm trying to weave my way to the building," said Smith, pulling a wheeled briefcase the size of a small suitcase. "I don't see how I'm going to get through there. It's not a good morning."

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