According to Ashland Police, on Friday afternoon, borough police officers received a call from a man's wife that he was threatening to kill himself. The man was in a home in the 1300 Block of Market Street at the time of the phone call and was also known to have several firearms in his possession. The man is also known to stalk local police, fire, and EMS personnel, and had recently been charged for it.
Ashland Police transported the man's wife to the Borough Police Station to begin the process of having a mental health warrant issued.
Police officers made contact with the man via texting through his wife to which he stated he was not going with police and if he came out of the home "it will be bad" as he stated. He had also made indications of a "suicide by cop" scenario.
Local and State Police responded to assist to lock down the scene until a search warrant could be obtained for the residence. Fire companies, the American Hose Company and the Washington Fire Company assisted with closing off nearby streets.
The suspect then cut off all communication with his wife and police. Law enforcement was unsure of his exact location at that time. At the scene on Market Street, law enforcement continued to announce for the man to come out of the home.
While police continued to work to get a 302 warrant for the individual, they learned, the man had fled the area on a UTV just prior to police arrival. They also learned the man had been actively monitoring police at the scene through remote cameras.
While police continued to work to get a 302 warrant for the individual, they learned, the man had fled the area on a UTV just prior to police arrival. They also learned the man had been actively monitoring police at the scene through remote cameras.
Once it was learned that he was not inside the home, family members assisted police with securing the firearms that were inside. A scoped rifle was also found by an upstairs back window of the home where Police said the man was speaking with his wife earlier.
Around 6:00pm, fire and police cleared the scene.
Ashland Police say Friday's street closure was to keep the nearby neighborhood safe due to information known at the time.
A 302 warrant is currently issued for the man involved.
