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KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A tense standoff in Keene ended around 8 p.m. Tuesday after bystanders reported hearing gunfire. Authorities have not yet confirmed what led to the apparent shots or provided details on the condition of the people involved. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Earlier Tuesday afternoon, police shut down part of West Street following reports of an armed individual in a vehicle in the TD Bank parking lot.
New Hampshire State Police said a 911 call came in around 3 p.m. reporting at least one person inside a silver sedan with a weapon. Keene Police and State Police responded, closing West Street from Island Street to Colorado Street and limiting traffic around Gilbo Avenue.
The BearCat, Keene Police’s armored vehicle, was parked directly in front of the sedan, with an officer positioned on top aiming a weapon. Negotiators could be heard calling the person inside by their first name, urging them to come out and assuring them they would not be harmed. A K-9 unit was also on standby.
Around 4 p.m., Keene police posted on Facebook, asking the public to avoid the area and calling the incident an “active but under control” situation.
At about 4:15 p.m., officers were seen moving between the sedan and other positions in the parking lot, some carrying long guns. Onlookers gathered behind barricades across the street near Gilbo Avenue, watching the scene unfold.
By 5:15 p.m., a woman exited the sedan and was escorted away by police. A man remained inside, speaking with officers. By 6 p.m., additional cruisers arrived and emergency vehicles arrived and formed a tighter perimeter as negotiations continued.
As of Tuesday evening, police had not shared what prompted the standoff.
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Police standoff on West Street ends after five hours; gunfire reported near TD Bank – My Keene Now