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KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Police have closed part of West Street in Keene Tuesday afternoon after reports of an armed person in a vehicle in the TD Bank parking lot.
According to New Hampshire State Police at the scene, a call came in around 3 p.m. reporting at least one person inside a vehicle (a silver sedan) with a weapon. Keene Police and State Police responded, blocking West Street from Island Street to School Street and restricting traffic around Gilbo Avenue.
Witnesses saw the BearCat (The Keene Police armored vehicle) position itself directly in front of the vehicle, with an officer on top aiming a weapon. Negotiators could be heard telling the person inside, whom they called by their first name, to come out and promising they would not be hurt. A K-9 unit stood by.
Shortly after 4 p.m., Keene police used their Facebook page to tell the public to steer clear of West Street, calling it an active but “under control” situation.
About 15 minutes later, officers were seen moving between the silver sedan and other positions in the TD Bank parking lot, some carrying long guns at the ready. Across West Street, near its intersection with Gilbo Avenue, clusters of onlookers stood behind the barricades, watching the scene unfold.
Around 5:15 p.m., a woman got out of the silver sedan and was led away by officers. A man remained inside, speaking with police as they tried to persuade him to come out. By 6 p.m., more cruisers had pulled into the lot, forming a tighter perimeter while the standoff continued.
By Tuesday evening, authorities had not released information on what sparked the situation. In an email, State Police spokesperson Tyler Dumont said inquiries should be directed to Keene police.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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