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VALDOSTA, GA -- A Valdosta man barricades himself inside a home after police say he attempted to reconcile his marriage.

On Saturday, police were called out to the Heather Way residence where they quickly learned that Jeffery Criss, 42, barricaded all exterior doors with furniture and disabled the garage door.

The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team were notified and also responded to the scene. They say numerous attempts were made to contact Criss by cell phone, a loud speaker outside the home and personal contact, none of which were successful.

Authorities say the Special Response Team utilized a newly acquired response vehicle which was able to open and clear the front door with little effort; more attempts were made to contact Criss inside the home, again without success.

Investigators say a robot was deployed inside the home and made a sweep of the interior but was unable to locate Criss. They say a chemical agent was dispersed into the home and a team made entry where they located Criss attempting to conceal himself inside the homes master bedroom.

Criss was taken into custody and transported by ambulance to South Georgia Medical Center for examination.

During a subsequent investigation, officers learned that Criss was making efforts to cause harm to himself but was delayed and eventually stopped by the efforts of the Special Response Team.

The investigation remains ongoing. The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office says criminal charges will be pursued against Criss for his actions.

Personnel from Lowndes County Fire Rescue were called to the scene to assist in clearing the interior of the home of the chemical agents that had been dispersed.

Deputies discovered that the adult residents at the home on Saturday recently separated and sought a divorce. Criss moved from the home but had returned to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.