SPRINGFIELD — Springfield police arrested a 62-year-old man Thursday morning after a six-hour standoff that began with a domestic disturbance call involving attempted arson.
Victor Velasquez was taken into custody at approximately 5:55 a.m. June 5 after barricading himself inside an apartment on Byers Street, according to police.
Officers initially responded to the 0-100 block of Byers Street around 11:10 p.m. Wednesday for a domestic disturbance involving attempted arson.
Velasquez had left the scene when police first arrived but later returned armed with a knife, prompting officers to return.
The suspect then barricaded himself inside the apartment, leading to the extended standoff.
Springfield Police Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Velasquez during the incident.
The Springfield Police Emergency Service Unit and Crisis Intervention Team were called to assist with the situation.
ESU members entered the apartment around 5:55 a.m. and found Velasquez unresponsive.
Officers administered Narcan to Velasquez, who was then transported to Baystate Medical Center with lingering effects of an unknown drug overdose.
Velasquez faces charges including two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, arson, witness intimidation and armed breaking and entering at night for a felony leaving a person in fear.
