Meriden standoff ends, suspect sent to hospital

MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- A section of Arch Street in Meriden was closed for several hours Monday morning following a standoff.

Police, with guns drawn, surrounded a Meriden house. It put neighbors on edge, especially those right across the street.

"All I know is mad cop cars out here, they're banging on windows and doors trying to coax him out all night long," said Jennifer Brochu, a neighbor.

Officers focused on 54 Arch Street, where a 33-year-old man was inside the residence holding a knife to his throat, threatening to hurt himself.

He had already thrown his wife and two young children out and because he was under the influence of drugs, police took precautions. Nearby roads were shut down and SWAT was brought in.

"Our hostage negotiation team came out we deployed three hostage negotiators and the main individual who takes care of the negations today did an absolutely phenomenal job," said Lt. Mark Walerysiak of Meriden Police Department.

Six hours after it started, it ended with the man giving himself up. Surprised family members showed up, but they did not want to talk.

While other neighboring residents tried to ignore the situation, it was difficult when police guns were drawn.

"Right down there and down the street one cop there has his shotgun out," said Leon Nelson, a neighbor, "and they are surrounding the white house around the corner."

At his point, police are not releasing the identify of the man involved, but they told News 8 charges are possible.

"They are great neighbors, quiet as can be, never had an issue, they're very respectful," said Brochu.

Police also said the man has been committed to a local hospital.