Massachusetts

Lancaster Suspect Taken Into Custody After Standoff With Police

Local and state law enforcement lined Langen Road in Lancaster, Massachusetts Saturday afternoon after a 48-year-old mentally ill man holding a knife sent his father to the hospital and then barricaded himself inside.

Massachusetts State Police received a call from Lancaster police at 1:10 p.m. Saturday, asking for assistance with the incident.

State police sent their bomb squad, STOP team (a SWAT-style tactical team) and a hostage negotiator to assist on scene.

"He did initially make the claim that the house was wired for explosives, which is why we called the state police bomb squad, as well as the state police STOP team," Lancaster Chief of Police Edwin Burgwinkel said.

During the 5.5-hour standoff, the suspect could be seen opening and shutting the window as he shouted threats to police.

"We were being extremely cautious and took our time with talking to him and negotiating with him before we took any actions whatsoever."

Anxious neighbors stood outside, watching on as the negotiations took place. 

"Making sure that our kids are safe, and we're safe in our home. Do we need to lock our doors and stay inside or is it safe to come out and get in our car and drive down this road," neighbor Jen Carlstrom said. "I'm sure whatever it is, they're taking care of it and hope no one gets hurt."

In the end, state police deployed tear gas through the window, entered the home and took the suspect into custody.

The suspect, who has not been identified, suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital in an ambulance, via police escort.

The suspect's charges are pending as Lancaster police continue to investigate.

Police say he recently moved from Florida to Massachusetts, and that authorities had responded to the Lancaster home multiple times this week.

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