Armed Standoff Brought To An End By Police As House Fire Begins To Burn

PORT CHESTER, NY — A fraught situation in Westchester County was brought to an end without any loss of life, thanks to quick action by emergency responders.

Around 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday, the Port Chester Police Department responded to a Touraine Avenue home after receiving a report of an armed man who had barricaded himself inside with a relative. The man was threatening to harm both himself and others, according to the report.

With the support of the Westchester County Police Department, Port Chester officers were able to get medical attention for the subject's injured mother who also resided in the home. No other injuries were reported.

But the night wasn't over yet for first responders.

At 1:15 a.m., Port Chester firefighters were dispatched in response to a fire reportedly set by the man while he was still inside the house. While fire units were en route, the suspect was arrested and the scene was secured by the Westchester County and the Port Chester Police Departments.

After being told by a Port Chester police officer about the exact location of the fire, the first arriving engine company units stretched a hose-line to the front door. Meanwhile, members of the ladder and rescue companies found the main body of the fire in the back of the house and conducted searches for anyone else who might be inside.

"I want to recognize the quick response of the men and women of the Port Chester Police Department that led to the department's resolving this serious and dangerous incident without the loss of life or extensive damage to property," Port Chester Police Department Chief Christopher Rosabella said. "The training that our force leverages, and the dedication that our department continues to demonstrate keeps the Village of Port Chester safer for all our residents. Thank you also to Westchester County Police for providing our department with additional technical support whenever necessary."

The fire department says searches determined that the house was empty and the main body of fire was quickly knocked down without extending past the original bedroom. The incident was under control by 1:45 a.m.

"Thank you to the dedicated men and women of both our Police Department and Fire Department for their service to our village all our residents," Mayor Luis A. Marino said. "It is because of them that we know that our village remains safe even at times when emergencies bring to light dangerous activity."