ARLINGTON, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Police are investigating what they are calling a "self-poisoning" death in Arlington Friday.
Police say they conducted a welfare check at about 4 p.m. and discovered a man deceased in the basement of an Arlington home. They say it may have been a suicide involving hazardous materials, possibly cyanide. According to sources the victim was a 15-year-old.
The area was secured, neighbors briefly evacuated and a regional hazardous materials team responded.
"A loss of life in our community is a tragedy, but with the possible addition of hazardous materials, we need to be extra careful to also protect the first responders and civilians in the area," Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan said. "I wish to thank residents for their patience this afternoon, and my most sincere condolences go out to the family of the deceased."
Police said they are waiting on an official cause of death from the medical examiner, but believe cyanide was the chemical used by the man.
"The complicated factor is that the scene has to be decontaminated before our investigators can get in that scene and do their work," Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan told FOX25.
Neighbors stared in shock at haz-mat crews decontaminated the house.
"It's a complete surprise, it's a very quiet neighborhood," neighbor Modesto Hevia said.
Police say there is no danger to the public. The investigation remains ongoing.