Armed standoff ends peacefully

    HOULTON — An armed standoff between a Houlton man and police did not result in any injuries or charges Tuesday, April 10.
    According to Houlton Police Chief Butch Asselin, the department responded around 1 p.m. to River Street in response to a call of a man threatening to harm himself with a firearm. Police closed the street and cordoned off the area, contacting neighbors and asking them to leave their residences or remain inside their homes away from River Street. Police visited residences on Elm and River streets.
    Police made repeated attempts to contact the subject by telephone, Asselin said. Eventually, Detective Kris Calaman made contact with subject and was able to convince him to leave the residence unarmed. The standoff lasted for approximately 40 minutes.
    Police recovered a single shot 10-gauge firearm and a shell from the living room of the residence. Once police were inside the home, numerous firearms were observed.
    Officer Erica Pelletier, Lt. Daniel Pelletier, Officer Stephen Nason and the chief were at the scene. The Aroostook County Sheriffs Office and the U.S. Border Patrol provided assistance. No criminal charges are pending. The subject was transported to Houlton Regional Hospital for a mental health evaluation.