LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. – Hazleton Police Officers went to 305 East Elm Street in the City Monday morning around 8 AM to investigate a threatening Facebook post when they encountered gunfire from the back door.

Police returned the gunfire and the actor retreated back into the residence. Backup was requested from neighboring departments, Fire/EMS was dispatched and the City’s Special Operations Group (SOG) was called out.

Officers set up a perimeter around the house and fire officials blocked off vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area. The SOG entered a neighboring house and evacuated a family which included multiple children. The family was taken by ambulance to a nearby fire station.

A loud speaker was used to ask the individual to come to the front door with his hands up and he would not be hurt. The subject did not listen to those commands. The SOG could then be seen moving into position behind cars across from the residence and began to fire gas into the residence in an attempt to push the subject out.

Police gave many orders to come out over the loud speaker but they did not succeed. The SOG once again grouped together and went on what they called a “recon mission” to the rear of the residence.

The standoff continued until after 1 PM when the SOG entered the residence and found the subject deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The scene remained active into the evening while the department investigated the incident.