ANSTED, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The Fayette County Sheriff's Department called for classes to be canceled today after a man started firing shots behind Ansted Elementary early Tuesday morning.

Just before 2:30 a.m., 911 dispatchers received calls that someone was shooting a weapon near the school.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they found that an 82-year-old man had fired numerous shots at nearby houses. The man continued to shoot as deputies approached him, but they don't believe he was attempting to shoot them.

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office Tactical Team and the Crisis Negotiations Team were called in to handle the situation. Since their location was near Ansted Elementary School, law enforcement advised the Fayette County Board of Education to close school for the day while they resolved the incident.

Members of the Crisis Negotiations Team were able to contact the man by phone and talked him out of the house. During a search of his home they found a small caliber handgun, semi-automatic rifle, high-power rifle and more than 100 rounds of ammunition.

Sheriff Steve Kessler says the man is a World War II veteran and has a history of mental illness and violence.

"The preliminary investigation into this incident does not indicate any intention by this individual to commit a crime," Sheriff Kessler said. "He obviously needs mental health assistance and we are grateful for the cooperation of the Beckley VA Medical Center in attempting to provide the appropriate mental health care to this individual."

No charges are expected to be filed.