Bristol police and the SWAT team are conducting an investigation after a man made threatening comments and barricaded himself inside a home Friday evening.
Bristol police and the SWAT team are conducting an investigation after a man made threatening comments and barricaded himself inside a home Friday evening.
Officers responded to the area of Woodbine and Gridley streets at about 3 p.m.
The police department said officers were trying to serve an arrest warrant from Farmington when the man barricaded himself inside his home.
According to police, the resident, 41-year-old Michael Pickering, had expressed very threatening and concerning comments online and was explicitly clear that he would not peacefully surrender.
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After several hours of failed negotiations, tear gas was administered from outside the home. Pickering then exited the house and was taken into custody.
He is facing charges including intimidation based on bigotry and bias, stalking, breach of peace and harassment. He is due in court on Monday.
Bristol police also hold an active arrest warrant for him in connection with his threatening behavior.
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No injuries were reported, police said. Approximately 40 Eversource customers were without power, although it's unclear if it was a result of the incident.
The Central Region Emergency Response Team responded to the scene and drivers were asked to avoid the area for several hours.
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