Update to original story: Authorities confirmed about 10:30 Tuesday morning that the body of the barricaded suspect was found inside the home after the fire destroyed the structure. The suspect, who has not been publicly identified, appears to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after allegedly setting fire to the home, police said.
The man’s relationship, if any, to the woman and child whom he allegedly threatened is unclear, and it is unknown whether he lived in the home that was burned. Firefighters remained on the scene for several hours to ensure the fire was completely extinguished with no hot spots remaining.
An armed man allegedly barricaded inside an Oak Cliff home set the residence on fire Tuesday morning after threatening a woman and a child, forcing firefighters to battle the blaze from outside while police continued an active standoff.
Officers with the Dallas Police Department responded around 6 a.m. to the 600 block of Delaware Avenue following reports of an armed disturbance.
According to police, officers determined that a man armed with a weapon had threatened a woman and a juvenile before barricading himself inside the home.
Authorities said the woman and child were able to escape safely and were not injured.
While police remained at the scene attempting to resolve the barricaded situation, the suspect allegedly set the home on fire.
Dallas Fire-Rescue crews were dispatched to the residence at approximately 7:30 a.m.
Because the armed suspect remained inside the burning structure, firefighters were unable to enter the home due to safety concerns.
Instead, crews focused on preventing the flames from spreading to neighboring homes.
The conditions inside the structure were not safe for firefighters to enter, according to department officials, so crews focused on protecting surrounding properties from the fire.
Fire officials said the residence sustained extensive damage in the blaze.
Authorities have not released information about how the fire started or whether it was intentionally ignited, though investigators believe the barricaded suspect set the fire after locking himself inside.
Police have not identified the suspect or announced whether the individual is wanted on additional charges.
As of Tuesday morning, the suspect is still believed to be barricaded inside the home, and the situation was still active.
Dallas police have not released additional details about what led to the armed confrontation or whether negotiators were attempting to communicate with the suspect. The investigation remains ongoing.
Provided by Dallas Express
