Harlem Standoff Ends After Man Shoots Himself Inside Home: Police

HARLEM, NY — A man is dead in an apparent suicide, hours after he barricaded himself inside a Harlem apartment and fired at police officers who had arrived to serve a warrant, according to police.

The incident began around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, when an NYPD warrant squad arrived at a fifth-floor apartment at 200 West 147th St., near Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard.

The man, who has not been identified, had a warrant for a domestic violence-related felony, and was also a potential suspect in a murder, Chief of Detectives Rodney Harrison told reporters.

As he stood near the doorway, feet away from the officers, the man "suddenly produced a gun and opened fire," Harrison said. No officers were hit, but one returned fire as police retreated down the hallway.

This is the gun that was recovered in the apartment. pic.twitter.com/dfK1VplR68
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) October 6, 2021

Police began to speak with the man, but eventually stopped hearing from him, Harrison said. Authorities eventually got a look inside the apartment, where they found the man lying on the ground with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to police.

A woman believed to be the man's girlfriend was also inside the apartment, Harrison said, but was safe as of Wednesday afternoon.

The incident prompted a huge police response to the Central Harlem block Wednesday morning. Videos showed a helicopter overhead and numerous police vehicles blocking the street shortly before 10 a.m., and police asked residents to avoid the area.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.

Due to a police investigation, avoid the area of 147 Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd in Harlem. Expect emergency vehicles in the surrounding area. pic.twitter.com/p7vPz3qpNf
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) October 6, 2021

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources to help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255. Its website offers services including a live chat.