(Video: Jason Brodbeck)
AMENIA – A domestic dispute that turned into a standoff with police
ended early Saturday morning when a man fatally shot himself.
Dutchess County Sheriff’s deputies responded to 208 Old Route 22
in the Town of Amenia for a report of a domestic dispute with a man in
possession of a firearm.
Police radio reports indicated that a woman and four children had barricaded
in one room and an elderly woman had hidden in another room.
The 37-year-old man had fired the rifle before officers arrived. He was
outside, armed with the weapon, when deputies arrived and refused to drop
the weapon when ordered to do so several times.
Sheriff’s crisis negotiators attempted to convince him to drop the
rifle and surrender, but after an hour-and-a half of negotiations, he
fatally shot himself in the roadway in front of the officers.
No one else was injured in the incident.
The sheriff’s office was assisted by the State Police, Dutchess
County Medical Examiner’s Office, Wassaic Fire Department and Town
of Amenia Ambulance.
The investigation into the incident is continuing.
