The other side to the Revere SWAT standoff

On Sunday Morning at approximately 4:30 A.M., Revere Police received a cellphone call through its 911 system and responded to22 Francis Street. The caller reported he lived at “22 Francis Ave.” and there were shots being fired inside “22 Francis Ave.” in unit #2. The caller stated he had to go back in to 22 Francis and gets his child out. Attempts were made to call back the reporting party, who did not answer.

Responding officers on the scene reported an odor of burnt gun powder. As officers attempted to make contact with the occupants of 22 Francis St. #2, the lights were turned off and people were seen moving window curtains in an attempt to shut them out. After numerous attempts by officers to get the residents out, including knocking on doors and the use of a loud speaker, the occupants refused to come to the door.

At this point, a perimeter was established and the Special Operations Unit was deployed. The occupants of Apartment #1 and the basement were evacuated (not taken into custody). They were taken to the Revere Police Station Community Room and provided with water, coffee and food.

Officers learned that the dwelling was being utilized as a rooming house and unit #2 had several tenants. Neighbors additionally reported to officers that the basement unit contained women and children.

Three occupants of unit #2 eventually came out at the officer’s request and reported there were additional people inside. A fourth person then exited after several additional requests on the loud speaker. The Special Operations Negotiator directed a fifth occupant to call 911. He spoke with communications personnel and was convinced to exit the apartment.

A sixth person still refused to exit. At that point, a chemical irritant was introduced in to the occupied bedroom and he exited the rear door. The apartment was secured and a search warrant was approved. The apartment was searched for a weapon with negative results. The matter is still under investigation.