A reported domestic incident involving a firearm escalated into a hostage situation Wednesday morning, August 7, prompting a large police response in the Town of Newburgh.

Town of Newburgh police were dispatched to 23 Linden Drive at approximately 9:36 a.m. after receiving a report through Orange County 911 of a physical domestic dispute. While officers were en route, 911 dispatchers informed them that the situation had escalated into a hostage crisis.

Upon arrival, officers established a perimeter around the residence, advising nearby residents to shelter in place. The Town of Newburgh SWAT team successfully ordered seven adult occupants to exit the house one by one.

Interviews with the occupants revealed that a suicidal male remained inside. Officers entered the home, located the man, and detained him. He was later interviewed by the Orange County Mobile Response Team.

Authorities determined that no firearm was involved and that no domestic incident had occurred. The male caller was transported to Town of Newburgh Police Headquarters for questioning and was released without charges.

The Town of Newburgh Police were assisted by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County Special Operations Group, New York State Police, and Town of Newburgh EMS.