Salem police arrest armed career criminal after standoff

SALEM — In a tense standoff that began with reports of gunfire, Salem police arrested 38-year-old Daniel Fratus on Tuesday after negotiating the safe release of a woman and two children from a Crestwood Circle home.

Officers first responded to the area around 12:25 a.m. after receiving a report of multiple gunshots.

Although initial attempts to contact the occupants of 29 Crestwood Circle were unsuccessful, police returned at 10 a.m. following new information suggesting potential domestic violence linked to the earlier incident.

A perimeter was established around the residence, but contact with the occupants was initially met with silence.

After persistent efforts, police managed to speak with the female occupant via telephone, leading to her and the children’s safe exit.

A police negotiator then engaged with Fratus, who surrendered to authorities shortly after 1 p.m.

Detectives secured the home and applied for a search warrant, which faced delays due to internet issues at the Court’s warrant center.

A subsequent search of the premises resulted in the seizure of numerous weapons and other evidence, with police clearing the scene by 11 p.m.

Fratus, who faces multiple felony charges, including ten counts of being an Armed Career Criminal, Felon in Possession of a Deadly Weapon, and Reckless Conduct with a Deadly Weapon, is being held at Rockingham County Jail on Preventative Detention.

His arraignment is scheduled for this morning in Salem District Court.

The Salem Police Department continues to investigate the case and urges anyone with information to contact Detective Joshua Dempsey.