SWAT teams from Nashua and Manchester were called in to assist with resolving a standoff on Grand Avenue on Dec. 5. Courtesy photo/Jeffrey Hastings

NASHUA – A five-hour standoff with 32-year-old Robert Reidy triggered a high police presence on Ledge Street and Grand Avenue on the afternoon of Dec. 5.

According to police, officers arrived at 12 Grand Ave. at 1:30 p.m. to find that Reidy had barricaded himself inside the residence along with an unidentified woman and child. Police said a felony arrest warrant was issued for Reidy stemming from the sale of a controlled drug. Officers had reportedly been monitoring him since October.

Police set up a perimeter, closing adjacent Ledge Street between First and Eighth streets. Neighborhood residents were also told to shelter in place.

After the perimeter was secured, additional equipment, including a Bearcat, was sent to the scene.

Although police were successful in getting the woman and child out of the house, Reidy still refused to comply. At that point, officers requested a second Bearcat and assistance from the Nashua and Manchester SWAT teams.

With the house surrounded, police launched a drone to provide aerial surveillance.

As daylight began to fade, officers reportedly fired gas cartridges through the windows and used a loudspeaker urging Reidy to surrender.

According to police, the standoff finally came to an end at 6:20 p.m. when Reidy walked out the front door and was taken into custody.

Reidy now faces two counts of sale of a drug – methamphetamine, criminal liability to the sale of a controlled drug, two counts of felonious use of a firearm, possession of a controlled drug with the intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl, common nuisance and resisting arrest.

He appeared in Hillsborough County Superior Court South on Dec. 6 and waived his arraignment.

Under state law, if convicted, Reidy could face up to 84 years in prison and more than $1 million in fines.

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