West Ward Standoff Ends Peacefully

Easton police removed a man from his Ferry Street home Thursday evening following a short standoff that brought armed officers to this residential neighborhood.

According to police, officers were called to the 1200 block of Ferry Street for a domestic dispute involving an armed man.

Capt. Scott Casterline said police learned the man could be suicidal and tried to communicate with him. Armed officers surrounded the house, and the block was taped off at 12th and 13th streets.

The man eventually surrendered to police without incident, Casterline said, and was hospitalized, but "not for physical injuries."

The man had some guns inside the house, although Casterline was not sure how many, giving the number "between two and six. No more than six." They were all legal guns.

Casterline said several off-duty police officers responded to the event, as well as some Northampton County deputy sheriffs.

The incident happened just up the street from Centennial Park, which hosts the kid-centric Summer Nights program during weekday evenings. Casterline said the park was evacuated after police showed up, with the help of Easton's Guardian Angels.