Fairfield Man Arrested After Barricaded Standoff With Police

FAIRFIELD, CT — A 46-year-old Fairfield man was arrested on a host of charges Wednesday night following a standoff with police in which he barricaded himself inside his home, according to authorities.

Neil Bhatia, of Mona Terrace, refused to leave his home when Fairfield police officers tried to take him into custody in connection with several warrants, including multiple counts of violation of a protective order and disorderly conduct. In addition to Fairfield warrants, police departments in Stamford and Weston also held warrants for Bhatia's arrest.

Bhatia was described by police as being "extremely uncooperative" when officers arrived to serve the warrants, even refusing to speak with officers at one point.

"Due to the seriousness of these crimes and his failure to appear in court, officers attempted to negotiate with Bhatia with no success," said Fairfield Police Lt. Michael Paris in a statement. "Additionally, out of an abundance of caution, the Fairfield Fire Department was called to the scene after officers smelled the odor of natural gas."

The Fairfield Police Emergency Services Unit and police negotiators were called to the scene to assist, but when their efforts to coax Bhatia out of the house, pepper spray was fired into the home "to induce a non-toxic reaction, hoping that Bhatia" would exit.

Moments later, he emerged from the home and was taken into custody. No injuries were reported.

He was charged with two counts of risk of injury to a minor and disorderly conduct, and was transported to an area hospital for evaluation.

Bhatia posted a $20,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

"The Fairfield Police treat every violation of law seriously, especially when it comes to domestic violence, and will take every opportunity to hold those responsible for their actions accountable," Paris said.