Man Involved in Ellington Police Standoff Facing Charges

ELLINGTON, CT — The man involved in last Saturday's five-hour standoff with police has been charged with three crimes, according to a warrant issued by state prosecutors.

Edward Busher, 52, of Ellington, surrendered on a warrant Thursday, state police said. He is facing charges that include the illegal discharge of a firearm, disorderly conduct and second-degree reckless endangerment, according to a warrant. He posted a $10,000 bond and is due in court on July 23, according to an arrest report.

The incident began at about 3:30 a.m. on July 7. State police were told that an intoxicated man was threatening to harm himself at 111 West Road, according to a warrant. State police were told by a woman that Busher was threatening to harm himself since about 1 a.m. and he fired one shot "into the ground," according to a warrant.

He was staggering around the residence, according to a warrant.

By 4:40 a.m., police had surrounded the residence and a section of West Road — also state Route 83 — was closed, according to a warrant. Alerts to "shelter in place" were sent to residents in Ellington and surrounding towns.

While speaking to state police, Busher admitted to drinking several beers and a "box of wine," before the incident, according to a warrant. He said he did not respond to calls from state police because he thought they were debt collectors, according to a warrant.

He had several firearms in the residence, according to a warrant. State police located a single, spent, .40-cal. bullet casing from a handgun on the porch of the residence, under a grill, according to a warrant.

By 8:47 a.m., Busher agreed to surrender the handgun and turn the keys to his gun safe over to state police, according to a warrant.

Photo Credit: State Police, Google Maps

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