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The New Haven County incident began in Guilford on Wednesday, April 13, when the fire department was called to a home on Durham Road.
When firefighters arrived on the scene they found smoke and a man armed with two "long-type" guns who threatened them, said Guilford Police Chief Warren “Butch” Hyatt.
The unidentified man then left the scene and went to a home on Fitch Hill Road where he barricaded himself inside with a woman who was related, Hyatt said.
As police called in the SWAT team, a shelter in place was ordered for surrounding homes and several streets were shut down, police said.
Once on the scene, SWAT members were able to establish a dialogue with the man and negotiations lasted more than 18 hours, before state police negotiators were called in, as well as SWAT members to replace the Guilford officers who needed a break, the chief said.
After state police took over early Thursday, April 14, they were unable to establish contact with the man and heard the woman screaming inside the home, state police said.
SWAT members took evasive action to rescue the woman and once inside the home, found the man dead on the second floor from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Hyatt said.
The woman, who appeared not to be injured, was rescued and transported to an area hospital for evaluation, he added.
Hyatt said the home where the fire started was also owned by a family member of the man.
Police did not release information on what the man was upset about or how he was related to the woman who was held as a hostage.
The man's identity will be released after family members have been notified, Hyatt said.
Roadways have been reopened, except for part of Fitch Road, and the shelter in place order has been lifted.
This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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