Contact: Beth Stone- (508) 584-8120
BROCKTON – A Norwell man has been indicted on charges he set fire to his home, barricaded himself and threatened to harm responding police officers, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz has announced.
A Plymouth County Grand Jury returned indictments today against Ryan Palmer (DOB: 04/29/85) of Norwell, on one count of Arson of a Dwelling, Malicious Destruction of Property over $250, and Threats. On January 11, 2016, Norwell
Police responded to 89 Stetson Road for a report of a house fire in progress. While on route to the fire, police learned from the homeowners that their adult son, Ryan Palmer, was the only person inside and alone. Palmer’s parents had been away and returned to find Palmer had locked the home and would not allow them to enter. While in the kitchen, Palmer turned on the gas from a 20-pound propane tank that he had cut from a grill outside and ignited it, immediately setting the kitchen cabinets on fire. Palmer’s father was able to gain entrance to the home, shut off the propane tank, throw it outside and extinguish the fire before fleeing the home.
Police attempted to speak with Palmer at the front and back entrances to the residence. Palmer yelled threats and expletives at officers and the request was made for mutual aid from METRO-LEC SWAT. During a five-hour long barricade, police made several attempts to get Palmer to exit the home peacefully. Instead, Palmer threw items out of the windows and barricaded the hallway with items from the attic. SWAT officers bypassed the debris and were able to take Palmer into custody.
Palmer will be arraigned on the charges in superior court at a later date.
Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sprague is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by Norwell Police.
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