Police: Armed robbery suspect caused hourslong SWAT standoff near Salem State University

SALEM, Mass. — A suspected armed robber stole an electric bike from someone he passed on the street and then barricaded himself in his house, leading to an hourslong SWAT standoff near Salem State University on Tuesday morning, police said.

The public was urged to stay away from the university after offices responding to a report of a robbery near the campus around 6 a.m. learned a person had entered a home at 106 Broadway Street and refused to exit, according to the Salem Police Department.

From about 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., there was heavy police activity not far from the rear of the university’s Stanley Building and O’Keefe Center.

The suspect, who police identified as 32-year-old Andrew Allard, allegedly approached the victim, showed what appeared to be a handgun, made off with an electric bike, and then entered his house on Broadway, prompting the standoff.

After hours of negotiating, police say a SWAT team from the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council gained entry into the home and took Allard into custody. The victim’s bike and a BB gun were also recovered at the scene.

It’s not clear if charges have been filed against Allard.

No injuries were reported during the incident.

There were no additional details immediately available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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