WILLIMANTIC, CT — A 21-year-old man was arrested following an hours-long standoff with police after his roommate reported threats and stolen vehicles.
Lewis Angel Reyes, of Willimantic, was taken into custody at approximately 8 a.m. on Nov. 27 after barricading himself inside a residence.
Police said an individual came to the Willimantic Police Department at approximately 4:34 p.m. on Nov. 26 reporting he feared for his safety after Reyes allegedly stole his vehicle and threatened to kill him when he asked for its return.
The victim provided videos of Reyes shooting firearms and photos of loaded AR-style magazines and firearm parts in their shared residence, police said.
Officers obtained a Risk Protection Order and Risk Protection Warrant based on the information.
Police said Reyes did not respond to numerous attempts to make contact, prompting the activation of the Special Operations Group.
Officers used de-escalation tactics over several hours, including loudspeaker commands and telephone calls to devices inside the home and Reyes’ cellular phone.
A crisis negotiator made continuous attempts to establish communication with Reyes, which failed, police said.
Reyes contacted the crisis negotiator at approximately 8 a.m. contemplating surrender, and members of the special operations group apprehended him shortly after.
Officers executed the Risk Protection Warrant and recovered 47.8 grams of marijuana and THC vapes, 5.9 grams of white and blue mushrooms, an AR-style upper and lower receiver, two high-capacity AR-style magazines including one loaded with four .223 rounds, and another stolen vehicle in the driveway.
The second vehicle had been reported stolen from a separate jurisdiction, police said.
Reyes was transported to Windham Hospital for precautionary measures before being brought to police headquarters for processing.
While being interviewed, Reyes attempted to break a window and escape custody but was immediately restrained, police said.
Reyes was charged with interference with a search, interfere with an officer/resisting, possession of controlled substance first offense, illegal sale/purchase of large capacity magazine, escape from custody and breach of peace second degree.
He was held on a $50,000 cash/surety bond and was presented in Danielson Superior Court on Nov. 28.
