A three-hour standoff in Chelsea ended without injury Wednesday night, culminating in the arrest of 29-year-old Douglas Chin, who had reportedly engaged in a violent incident earlier in the evening. A report from the Chelsea Police Department revealed that officers responded around 6:45 p.m. to a disturbance call at an apartment on 207 Shurtleff Street. Chin, who was found in the hallway and later retreated into his unit, was wanted on multiple warrants, including assault charges, some of which involved police officers.
According to the Police Department, as the attempt to peacefully apprehend Chin unfolded, he apparently made the decision to retreat back into his apartment and resisted arrest. This led to the engagement of a CPD crisis negotiator to try and de-escalate the increasingly hostile situation. "This outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of de-escalation efforts, teamwork, and our collaboration with state law enforcement partners," Chelsea Police Chief Keith E. Houghton stated, grateful for the peaceful resolution.
The Chelsea Police Department had to evacuate residents from the immediate area for safety as they secured the scene. The negotiation process, which lasted nearly three hours, ultimately required the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police Tactical STOP Team. This specialized unit was prepared to conduct a forced entry, but their intervention ended up not being necessary for Chin's arrest.
As the situation reached its critical apex around 10:20 p.m., STOP Team members were able to finally enter Chin's apartment and successfully take him into custody without further incident. Chin was transported to Cambridge Health Alliance in Everett for medical evaluation, then booked at the Chelsea Police Headquarters. Chief Houghton praised the coordination of Chelsea Fire, Cataldo Ambulance Service, and the State Police, who all worked in unison to ensure a safe conclusion of the event.
Chin is currently being held in custody and, according to the Chelsea Police Department, was expected to be arraigned in Chelsea District Court following the incident.
