A Man Is Dead After Shootout and a Firefight in Chelsea
photo via istock.com/kali9
A 38-year-old man who terrified neighbors in Chelsea Monday night when he shot at police and set his Warren Avenue home on fire was found dead of a gunshot wound, officials say.
Police from several communities responded Monday to reports that a man had barricaded himself in his home and was shooting at officers. A woman and her 10-year-old daughter were with the suspect at one point, but both were able to leave the home safely, police say.
The scene escalated when flames began erupting out of the home. Soon after, the building was “fully involved with fire,” Chelsea PD Chief Brian Kyes wrote on Twitter. Photos from the scene show a roaring blaze.
The #chelsea #housefire scene on #Warren Ave. @bostonherald #bostonherald pic.twitter.com/ScD2QSkKiY
— nicoczar (@nicoczar) May 23, 2017
Residents of Warren Ave. were evacuated as police and fire crews arrived. Apart from the 38-year-old suspect, no other injuries have been reported.
Authorities later accessed the home and discovered the suspect had died. It was not immediately clear if the gunshot wound he sustained was self-inflicted.
The office of Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley is leading an investigation into the incident.
A negotiator could be overheard speaking with the suspect through a megaphone well into the night, and observers heard several exchanges of gunfire. In a highly unusual sight, firefighters battled the flames alongside a SWAT team in with long guns and protective gear.
Last night #Chelsea #Firefighters working & #police provide cover at incident where suspect fired on police & apparently set house on fire. pic.twitter.com/vpkSQWubkH
— IAFF District 3 VP Jay Colbert (@IAFFdist3VP) May 23, 2017
In tweets, CPD Chief Kyes thanked police and firefighters “who responded to an incredibly chaotic and volatile scene,” adding, “Their collecting heroic actions no doubt saved lives.”
Kyes also thanked neighbors who “opened their doors to the victims & to those evacuated & kept them safe.”
Thank you to ALL personnel who responded to an incredibly chaotic and volatile scene. Their collective heroic actions no doubt saved lives. pic.twitter.com/P5LnqIe4K7
— Brian A. Kyes (@MarshalKyes) May 23, 2017
