Hourslong standoff in Hardwick ends in arrest

HARDWICK, Vt. (WCAX) - Police say an hourslong standoff at a home on Route 16 in Hardwick ended Tuesday morning in an arrest.

Vermont State Police say Michael McCuen, 36, of Hardwick, was taken into custody.

David Upson, the Hardwick town manager, says officers were first called to the home Thursday for a verbal dispute. Upson says mental health providers were called in but McCuen refused to talk with them.

Then, a member of the household reported to police that McCuen assaulted them Monday. That’s when police say McCuen barricaded himself inside the home.

Police say McCuen has a history with them and that he had access to multiple firearms.

Shortly after 5 a.m. Tuesday, members of the Vermont State Police Tactical Services Unit took McCuen into custody.

Police say there were no reports of significant injuries and McCuen was transported to the hospital for evaluation.

There’s no word yet on whether McCuen will face any charges.

Route 16 was closed for several hours during the incident and has since reopened.

https://www.wcax.com/2023/01/10/hours-long-standoff-hardwick-shuts-down-part-rt-16/