Chelmsford Man Arrested after Standoff Monday Evening

Chelmsford Police arrested an assault suspect after a standoff Monday night.

Jason L. Cleghorn, 36, of Chelmsford was arrested peacefully after a standoff at his home on Piccadilly Circle, according to Police Chief James Spinney.

Police responded Monday at 8:40 p.m. to the suspect’s home for a report of an assault with a firearm. Upon arrival, officers were met by three men, who are employees of a repossession company. The men stated that they were at the home to repossess a 2010 purple Dodge Challenger from the suspect. They heard loud music and noises coming from the garage and knocked on the door to identify themselves. When the garage opened, CLEGHORN allegedly came out, holding a handgun, which he pointed at one of the repo men.

The suspect, who had two other people with him, went back inside and refused to come out.

The repo men called police.

Assessing the situation, understanding that an armed suspect was refusing to come out and that other people were inside the home, the Chelmsford Police Department activated the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council S.W.A.T. Team to respond to the scene.

The regional S.W.A.T. Team responded quickly and add specially-trained officers under the direct command of the Chelmsford Police Department, as officers attempted to resolve the situation peacefully.

After negotiations, Cleghorn emerged from the home and was placed under arrest. No one was injured.

Cleghorn, was charged with Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (Firearm) and will be arraigned later today at Chelmsford District Court.

“This was a fine example of patient, deliberate police work, as our officers and our partner agencies working alongside the Chelmsford Police Department brought a peaceful end to a volatile situation,” Chief Spinney said.