Body Recovered after Standoff, Fire at Bradford, NH, Home

Dec. 28, 2024

While police were trying to negotiate with the man, smoke started coming from the Bradford home.

Source The New Hampshire Union Leader, Manchester

Police arrived to find the man armed with a knife before he retreated into the Bradford home.

Dec. 27—A man died Thursday after a nearly five-hour standoff with police that ended when fire engulfed his Bradford home in central New Hampshire, authorities said.

Police responded to a person in crisis at 21 W. Main St. in Bradford about 12:43 p.m. Officers found a man armed with a knife, according to State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey.

Law enforcement from five neighboring communities attempted to de-escalate the situation without success, authorities said in a news release. At about 5:30 p.m., officers noticed smoke and flames coming from the house, they said.

Firefighters from nine departments responded to battle the blaze. After the fire was extinguished, investigators found the man's body inside.

The body will be taken to the state Medical Examiner's Office for identification and to determine the cause of death. Authorities said the death does not appear suspicious.

The incident remains under investigation by the state fire marshal's office, Bradford police and fire departments. Officials ask anyone with information to contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 603-223-4289.

State Fire Marshal Toomey reminds anyone struggling with a mental health crisis that help is available. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 provides free, confidential support 24/7.

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Visit The New Hampshire Union Leader (Manchester, N.H.) at www.unionleader.com

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