Some Details Released About West Ward Siege

A press release from the Easton Police Department says that a siege  of a house near the corner of North Ninth and Spring Garden streets today that lasted nearly five hours  and had neighboring roads closed for hours began around 10:44 a.m. after a man called 911 and whispered to dispatchers that a vehicle parked  outside his house contained men armed with guns.

The caller then fled from the house via the back door, police said, adding that upon their arrival, they found a vehicle that fit the caller's description with a woman from Queens, NY inside.

Upon further investigation, EPD officers found four men near the 903 Spring Garden St. house, who were detained after attempting to flee the residence. Police further report the men claim they were trying to visit a family member at the dwelling.

During questioning, police say the men gave conflicting reports, which led them to believe there was another man, named Kevin D. Scott,  inside.

Scott is wanted by Elmira, NY police on a warrant for assault charges, as well as criminal possession of a weapon, police said.

However, that man appeared to have fled just before police arrived.

After a search warrant was obtained for the house, the Easton Police Special Response Unit searched the house but found no additional people inside.

Prior to police making entry a fifth male from New York, who was apparently with the other four and hiding inside, surrendered to police, they report.

The matter is still under investigation by police and charges may be filed later, police added.

Mayor Sal Panto praised police efforts, saying by email, "Great job on preventing a bigger problem.  Maybe they will get the message and stay in New York."

According to county property records, 903 Spring Garden St. is owned by BLI LLC, located in Levittown, NY.

UPDATE, 3:05 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 19: The woman in the car was not charged and was released after the house was searched, and the five men that were detained at the scene have been released without charge after questioning, police report.

Kevin D. Scott has not been located, but police believe he may still be in the Easton area and are on the lookout for him.

No weapons were recovered during the incident, Easton police have confirmed, but added the investigation into the incident is still ongoing.