A Norwell man has been indicted on arson and threat charges following a standoff in January.
Ryan Palmer 30, was charged Tuesday with one count of arson of a dwelling, malicious destruction of property over $250 and threats.
On Jan. 11, 2016, Norwell Police responded to Stetson Road for a report of a house fire in progress. While en route to the fire, police learned from the homeowners that their adult son, Palmer, was the only person inside the home.
Palmer’s parents had been away and returned to find he 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 running out of the home.
Police attempted to speak with Palmer and the front and back doors.
According to police, he yelled threats and expletives at officers.
During a five-hour long barricade, police made several attempts to get Palmer to leave the house peacefully.
Instead, police said, Palmer threw items out of the windows and barricaded the hallway with items from the attic.
SWAT officers were eventually able to take Palmer into custody.
He will be arraigned at a later date.
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