Gunfight With Police Ends When Barricaded Shooter Sets House On Fire

Providence, RI – A gunman is dead after a lengthy gun battle and standoff with authorities on Thursday morning during which the suspect fired more than 100 rounds at police.

The incident began at about 2:30 a.m. on Feb. 10 after police responded to a 911 call from a home located at Denison Street near Branch Avenue, the Associated Press reported.

Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven Paré said the 911 caller told police that 61-year-old Scott McLean had assaulted his son and daughter and that he had lots of guns inside the home, WHDH reported.

Commissioner Paré said McLean’s children and grandchildren were able to escape the house before police arrived.

But then McLean barricaded himself inside the home in which he had at least 15 handguns and more rifles, WHDH reported.

McLean had a history of mental health problems, the Associated Press reported.

Nearby residents were evacuated or told to shelter in place, and the entire area was put into lockdown, WHDH reported.

The Providence Police Department’s SWAT team responded to the scene and surrounded the house as officials began negotiations with the barricaded suspect at about 6 a.m.

Commissioner Paré said negotiators attempted to get the gunman to come out of the home but instead, McLean opened fire on the officers and shot about 100 rounds at them, WHDH reported.

Police returned fire and the standoff continued until McLean set the bedroom he was in at the back of the house on fire.

Shots fired here as man is still barricaded on home on Denison St. BRANCH AVE by Commodore is NOT safe right now. Stay away. @wpri12 pic.twitter.com/Mzd38aAvfd

— Kait Walsh (@KaitLouiseWalsh) February 10, 2022

Current scene. 6:30. pic.twitter.com/vv0YTgKjxz

— Kait Walsh (@KaitLouiseWalsh) February 10, 2022

Firefighters responded and put out the blaze, but McLean had already become engulfed in flames and died, WHDH reported.

Smoke now filling the air above home. We can see flames as well. (See previous tweets for context). pic.twitter.com/vEM9ChxHVP

— Kait Walsh (@KaitLouiseWalsh) February 10, 2022

“Really chaotic scene here,” Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza told reporters. “There is a person deceased, and our police department has been in touch with family.”

“Most importantly today, this is a really a testament to the men and women in the police department, fire department, state police, all of them working together as a team,” Elorza added.

Officials said that no other injuries were sustained by civilians or first responders during the incident, according to the Associated Press.