2 Children Taken In Newington, Rescued After Stamford Standoff, Images Show Tense Scene: UPDATE

NEWINGTON/STAMFORD, CT — A tense situation ensued in Connecticut on Sunday when two children in Newington were taken following a domestic disturbance, with a vehicle standoff ensuing later in Stamford.

The Newington Police Department said one suspect is now in custody, identifying him as John Lacen-Romero, 36.

According to the NPD, Lacen-Romero was charged with two counts of first-degree kidnapping, second-degree strangulation, three counts of first-degree unlawful restraint, three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, two counts of risk of injury to a child, third-degree assault, and second-degree criminal mischief.

He is being held on $1 million bond, and he will appear in New Britain Superior Court on Monday, Sept. 22.

According to the NPD, on Sunday, Sept. 21, at about 12:10 p.m., Newington police were sent to an "undisclosed location" in town for a reported domestic disturbance.

Police accused Lacen-Romero of assaulting an adult female at the residence.

In addition, the NPD said, the suspect removed two juveniles from the home, placed them in a vehicle, and left the area.

This prompted the NPD to coordinate with multiple law enforcement agencies to locate the vehicle and "ensure the safety of the children," police said.

Later in the day, the Stamford Police Department located the vehicle in its town, the NPD said.

"After a short pursuit, the suspect vehicle crashed and became disabled," wrote the NPD. "Lacen-Romero was taken into police custody after an extended standoff."

Police said the children were taken to the hospital nearby for evaluation.

Newington police said the case is still under investigation.

According to the Stamford Police Department, the standoff ensued on North State Street and Canal Street at 1:45 p.m. Saturday.

"The suspect vehicle engaged Stamford Police officers in pursuit and was involved in numerous motor vehicle accidents," wrote the SPD.

"During the pursuit, the vehicle entered onto I-95 southbound and exited at Exit 7, where it struck another vehicle and became disabled in the roadway."

After several hours, the incident was "resolved," wrote Stamford police.

According to the SPD, several units, including Stamford police, a special negotiations team, drone units, Connecticut State Police, the Stamford Fire Department, Newington PD, and Stamford EMS, responded and managed the incident for hours.

Images submitted to Patch by Stamford resident Michael Burke captured the massive police presence at the intersection, where the tense drama played out.

Burke said he was riding his bike when he came upon the incident, saying he was glad everyone came out OK.

Newington police thanked all of the assisting units for their roles in dealing with the situation.

"The Newington Police Department would like to thank the Stamford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and all others for their swift response and assistance in ensuring the safe recovery of the juveniles."