STAMFORD, CT — A Connecticut Department of Correction officer faces multiple charges following a seven-hour standoff with police in September.
John Lacen-Romero, 36, of Connecticut, is accused of leading police on a pursuit before barricading himself inside a vehicle with two young children.
Police said Lacen-Romero refused to release the children for more than seven hours during the incident.
Officers negotiated with Lacen-Romero throughout the standoff while working to ensure the safety of the children.
The Special Response Team ended the standoff and took Lacen-Romero into custody.
Both children were rescued and transported to Stamford Hospital for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries.
Lacen-Romero faces charges in Stamford including first-degree unlawful restraint, interfering with officers, reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit and two counts of risk of injury to a child.
He also faces charges out of Newington related to an initial assault and abduction.
Newington Police, Connecticut State Police and other agencies assisted in the response.
Lacen-Romero is being held on $2 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 15.
