An armed standoff that began with a 911 call reporting shots being fired late last night in Blue Earth ended peacefully and without injury five hours later.

The Faribault County Sheriff’s Department received the call at 11:13 p.m. and responded to a rural Blue Earth residence. Authorities arrived and heard more shots being fired, reportedly by Kevin Robert Karl, 29, of Blue Earth. A 5-year-old child also was inside the residence.

Attempts to communication with Karl were futile. Hours later, officers from various law enforcement agencies and SWAT teams managed to enter the residence and apprehend Karl.

He is expected to make a court appearance today.

See Saturday’s print edition for more information.