Milford police

Assault Suspect in Custody Following Standoff in Milford

A Milford man was arrested after a stand-off that went on for hours Monday morning and police said he is accused of assaulting his wife and threatening to kill her.

Police said the man’s wife went to the police station at 3:15 a.m. Monday and reported that 38-year-old Matthew Smith told her he was going to kill her, burn down her family’s home and kill any future children she may have.

In addition to the threats, Smith pulled out a knife, threatened to slice her with it and punched her in the face and eye, according to police.

She also warned police that Smith might have an unregistered firearm.

Officers responded to the house and tried to speak to Smith, but he refused to leave the house, so they called in the Regional Special Response Team and the Milford Police Department’s Small Unmanned Aircraft and Robot units, according to police.

"Information shows that in the past that he has been involved in incidents, not in our jurisdiction, not in domestic violence incidents, where he was possessing weapons, but we believe they were actually secured and seized in those investigations," Milford Police Officer Mike DeVito said.

Around 11 a.m., police said they decided to knock down the back door of the house because they were concerned about a nearby high school getting dismissed since there are a lot of students who walk home in the area.

Smith surrendered and has been charged with disorderly conduct, assault in the third degree, first-degree threatening and interfering with an officer.

He is being held on a $25,000 bond.

Neighbors said it was frightening to see such a large police presence, but appreciate how officers have handled the situation.

"It's a little alarming, but it's understandable for what's going on," said Gary Strain, a neighbor.

"It's scary, it really is. I'm glad that they're taking precautions to make sure nobody gets hurt, but it is scary," added Ava Phelan, of Milford.

Nearby schools remained open, but bus drivers were notified of the incident and buses were diverted.

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