Loud Bangs Part of 'Police Operation' on Meadow Street

Salem city officials said several “loud bangs” in the area of the standoff on Meadow Street on Saturday morning were part of police operations at a standoff with an armed, barricaded man.

Both Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Salem police and City Councilor Josh Turiel said the bangs were part of the “police operation” at about 11:30 a.m.

Salem police said it was part of a “controlled operation” and there was ”no danger to the public.”

It all started just before 8 a.m. on Saturday morning when rescue crews were called to a Meadow Street address for the report of explosions and windows blow out on the home. It later turned into a standoff between an armed, barricaded man in the residence and police. A SWAT team and bomb squad was brought in.

The standoff caused a section of Canal Street to be closed between Laurel Street and Ocean Avenue, according to Salem police. Residents in the area were also evacuated.

Photo Courtesy of AnnMarie Fontaine