Oakland County Sheriff to Conduct SWAT Exercises at Abandoned Hotel

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday that the department will hold SWAT training at the abandoned Barclay Inn on Wednesday.

The abandoned hotel, located at the intersection of Maple Road and Woodward Avenue, , according to Bruce Johnson, Birmingham Building Department manager.

Blue Star Inc., the contractor hired to tear down the hotel, is in the process of obtaining a city demolition permit and approval from the Michigan Department of Transportation. The building is surrounded by mesh screening and chain-link fencing, and workers have hauled away most of the guest furniture for donation to The Salvation Army.

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office plans to turn the empty rooms and hallways into a training ground Wednesday for SWAT team members, who perform high-risk operations that fall outside the abilities of regular police officers.

Training operations include acting out multiple scenarios, including counteracting assaults from the roof and simulated gunbattles. A representative from the sheriff's office said passers-by and drivers and Woodward should not be alarmed if they catch sight of an officer with a gun or rappelling down the side of the building.

"Passer-by and other traffic should be aware that these are training exercises only," said Undersheriff Michael McCabe.

Training exercises will take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday.