UPDATE: Man Wasn’t In House During Newtown Standoff, Found Walking Nearby, Cops Say
UPDATED: 1:17 p.m., Sunday:
A tense situation unfolded Sunday morning in the Headley Trace townhome complex in Newtown Township.
Police were dispatched to a home in the unit block of Independence Place around 7 a.m. following reports of an altercation. Upon arrival, officers found a woman who had managed to escape from the rear of a townhome, authorities said.
The woman told officers that she had been assaulted by a man armed with a handgun, police said.
Given the potential threat, authorities issued a shelter in place order for the area. The alerts were sent via text message, social media, and through the homeowners association to ensure residents’ safety around 7:40 a.m.
The South Central Emergency Response Team and surrounding departments responded to assist, Newtown Township Chief of Police John Hearn said.
The standoff with the armed man, who was holed up at a townhome, lasted approximately 2.5 hours.
Police said they used “tactical and investigative methods” to establish communication with the man.
Snipers set up across from the townhome where the man was holed up.
Tactical officers using a Lenco BearCat and MRAP armored trucks removed neighbors from surrounding units during the standoff.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
Successful negotiation led to the man’s surrender and subsequent arrest without further incident, police said.
There were no injuries reported to police, the suspect, or neighbors. The victim of the initial assault suffered minor injuries but declined medical treatment, Hearn said.
The chief said the man will be charged.
As the investigation continued midday Sunday, the scene was being secured for a search warrant.
Using one of the armored trucks, officers searched a garage that appeared to be tied to the suspect.
The chief said all those who responded Sunday morning did a “tremendous job.”
UPDATED: 10:12 a.m., Sunday:
The standoff in Newtown Township ended peacefully shortly before 10 a.m.
Original Story:
Tactical officers were at the Headley Trace complex off Newtown-Yardley Road in Newtown Township for a reported standoff with an armed subject.
Police from around Lower Bucks County were on the scene.
South Central Emergency Response Team's MRAP and the county's command truck have showed up. pic.twitter.com/YOyxCNTL0T
— Tom Sofield (@BuxMontNews) March 17, 2024
Residents were told to shelter in place around 7:40 a.m.
Officers with long guns were surrounding the complex.
