By: Tracie Carter
Authorities in Camden County safely brought an overnight barricade situation under control after a man reportedly threatened to set fire to a home in Gloucester City.
According to preliminary reports, police and firefighters were called to the 600 block of Ridgeway Street shortly after 1 a.m.
Thursday after initially receiving reports of a possible fire and propane-related incident.
As additional information became available, officials determined there was no active house fire.
Instead, authorities were dealing with a barricaded male occupant who was reportedly threatening to ignite the residence.
Police began negotiations with the man while firefighters, EMS crews and additional emergency personnel staged nearby as a precaution. Neighboring properties were evacuated, and a county bus was requested to provide temporary shelter for displaced residents.
At approximately 2:51 a.m., officials reported that the man had been taken into police custody. Firefighters then entered the residence to check for potential hazards.
The property was ultimately declared clear, and evacuated residents were allowed to return to their homes.
No injuries were immediately reported. The circumstances leading up to the incident and any potential charges against the man were not immediately available.