Neighbors speak out after Smithfield standoff ends peacefully

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) — Police cars lined Elmgrove Avenue for hours overnight and into Tuesday, as officers worked to negotiate with an armed man inside a home on in Smithfield.

According to police, a 59-year-old man barricaded himself inside his home Monday afternoon.

Crisis negotiators were called in to talk with him, while officers patrolled the area outside the home.

Eventually, police say they persuaded the man to leave his home peacefully just before 7 a.m., on Tuesday.

He hasn’t been identified, and no charges have been filed.

The man was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Neighbors say the police presence made it hard for them to go about their normal routines.

“It’s quiet, there’s lights on in the house, there’s a stretcher in front of the house waiting for him to come out, so I’m just hopeful that everything gets resolved today,” said neighbor, Olivia Crosi.

Others say they never expected something like this in their neighborhood.

“I’m shocked! We don’t know who our neighbors are or what their issues are, and if it’s mental health, then god bless him, I hope he gets the help he needs,” said another neighbor.

Smithfield police say there is no threat to the community and that they are not releasing further information at this time.