ATHOL — An Athol man faces a number of charges after barricading himself in his residence in a three-hour standoff with police Thursday morning.
Wesley S. Powell, 29, of 65 Chester St., is accused of discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, improper storage of firearms, assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, disturbing the peace and a charge of disorderly person. He was arrested at 3:10 a.m. and processed at the Athol Police Department before being taken to Orange District Court for arraignment.
According to a press release from Athol Police Lt. Kevin Heath, police received a call at 12:24 a.m. from a Chester Street resident reporting what they believed to be three gunshots outside their house. The caller also said someone had been knocking on their door. Officers responded to the scene and found several shell casings on the ground in front of a Chester Street residence. They approached the home and tried to make contact with a man later identified as Powell, who went into his residence and refused to answer questions from the officers, who saw the suspect had a firearm.
According to the press release, additional officers and command staff from the Athol Police responded as did members of the Massachusetts State Police and its Special Tactical Operations Team. Negotiators responded as well.
Powell eventually emerged from his residence with a firearm in his hand, and began speaking with negotiators. After what Heath describes as “a lengthy period,” Powell re-entered his residence and then reappeared at the front door and exited the house at 3:10 a.m. He was taken into custody without further incident. The investigation is ongoing.
It was unclear at press time what set off the incident.
Heath credited the disarming and arrest of Powell to the excellent working relationship between the Athol Police Department and state police.
You can reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 258.
On Twitter: @DomenicPoli