Wilkes-barre police vehicle parked outside. — Wilkes-Barre police cruiser-file photo

WILKES-BARRE, PA — A police investigation into a reported assault escalated into an armed standoff late Saturday, after a man opened fire on officers attempting to serve a search warrant at a home on Richard Street.

The incident began when Wilkes-Barre City Police responded to a local hospital, where a victim reported being physically and sexually assaulted. As part of the investigation, officers proceeded to a residence near the intersection of Richard and Barney Streets to execute a search warrant.

As officers attempted to make entry, an individual inside the residence discharged a firearm toward police. No officers were struck or injured in the incident. Officers then secured the scene and requested assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team (SERT).

An hour-long standoff followed as law enforcement worked to safely resolve the situation. When officers eventually entered the residence, they discovered the individual deceased from what police described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The identity of the deceased has not been released, pending notification of family members. The identity of the victim in the original assault report is also being withheld due to the sensitive nature of the investigation.

Wilkes-Barre Police Chief Joseph Coffay and Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce thanked state police for their assistance and the resources provided during the response.

The case remains under active investigation.

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Key Points

Police were investigating a reported physical and sexual assault when gunfire broke out at a Wilkes-Barre home
The individual inside the residence fired at officers and was later found deceased from a self-inflicted wound
The names of those involved have not been released due to the nature of the investigation

A standoff in Wilkes-Barre ended with one person dead and an active investigation underway.

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