Claremont Standoff Ends Peacefully

Claremont — Police were able to bring a peaceful end on Wednesday to a standoff with a man on Westside Avenue who claimed to have a gun and allegedly pointed it at officers.

Matthew Baran, 25, was taken into protective custody shortly before 12:30 p.m., about 90 minutes after the incident began. Baran has initially been charged with contempt of court but additional charges are possible pending the continuing investigation, police said.

In a news release, Claremont Police Chief Alex Scott said the initial call came in just before 11 a.m. of a man repeatedly knocking on a door of a Westside Avenue residence, refusing to leave. When police arrived and tried to make contact with the person, later identified as Baran, they learned he had returned to his residence on the same street. Attempts to calm him down were unsuccessful and it was further reported that Baran called 911 twice, the first time stating “police were trying to kill him” and the second time claiming “he had a rifle pointed at officers,” the news release said.

Ongoing efforts to open communication via phone were unsuccessful while a perimeter was set up and additional police arrived. A family member was contacted and agreed to come to the scene and confirmed there were no firearms in the house. Baran was taken into custody. He will be arraigned in Claremont Fifth District Court today.

Claremont to Hold Organ Donor Event

Claremont — On Friday at noon in Broad Street Park, organ recipient Tracy Pope will lead a ceremony marking April as National Donate Life month.

Four years ago, Pope, 61, received a kidney from her husband, Scott, a former mayor and current city councilor. With her health restored, Pope said the experience opened her eyes to the need for more organ donors and she has committed herself to speaking out to bring awareness to the problem.

Friday’s ceremony will include remarks by three Claremont residents affected by organ donations, Mayor Charlene Lovett and City Manager Guy Santagate

Guest speakers will include State Senator David Pierce, D-Etna, and state Rep. John Cloutier, D-Claremont.

— Staff reports