Printer Friendly Version - Branford Shooter Standoff Ends with Suspect Discovered Dead in Home

After announcing the suspect had been found deceased, Branford police continued to block off vehicular approaches to the area of the incident at 241 Main St., including this approach from the intersection of Kirkham Street and Main St., while investigation of what police said were 'several crime scenes' continued.Pam Johnson/Zip06.com

Branford police are reporting that the suspect in a seven-hour standoff with an active shooter barricaded in a Main Street home has been found deceased in the building. While Main Street near Cherry Hill will remain closed until further notice, police say the scene is now secure and no threat remains to the public. Police have reported one person was injured during the incident and taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Police first responded at 12:03 p.m. today, Tuesday, April 13, to reports of shots fired by a person barricaded in a three-story home at 241 Main Street. Initial responding officers came under immediate heavy gunfire coming from the second story of the building, and were pinned during more gunfire barrages which followed until the arrival of SWAT armored BearCat vehicles could provide support. Meanwhile, police and other responding agencies locked down the area and surrounding streets. Area businesses and homes were evacuated where possible. Some were advised to shelter in place, including customers in businesses in the Richlin Plaza across the road from the shooter's location on Main Street. Barrages of rapid gunfire were reported throughout the afternoon including eyewitness reports of shots fired by the shooter into the Richlin Plaza parking lot. Police also responded to early 911 calls of one person injured by gunshot; the victim was taken to the hospital with reported non-life threatening injuries.

When announcing the news of the deceased suspect at approximately 7 p.m., Branford Police Department stated on its Facebook page that it "is very early in this investigation and there are several crime scenes. The New Haven State's Attorney is on-scene and Connecticut State Police Major Crimes will be processing the scenes.

"We appreciate the patience and support of the community during this critical incident. Many thanks to the Branford Fire Department and our area law enforcement partners for their assistance," the statement continued.

The Sound/Zip06.com will continue coverage as more information becomes available.

Shortly after responding to reports of shots fired at 12:03 p.m., police blocked off this North Harbor Street intersection with Russell Street, about one block away from the active shooting scene at 241 Main St., seen here at approximately 12:30 p.m.Pam Johnson/Zip06.com