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Police standoff ends peacefully in Lewiston

photo courtesy of New York State Police

A Lewiston man faces charges after a police standoff at his home Sunday afternoon.

A wide array of law enforcement and rescue personnel responded to the scene Sunday afternoon before a standoff with a Lewiston resident was brought to a peaceful end.

State Police called their Special Operations Response Team to assist as 51-year-old Leonard Zientara initially refused to leave his home and then positioned himself on the roof top.

Zientara set the structure on fire before surrendering to police. He has been charged with arson.

Authorities used a reverse 9-1-1 call to request that local residents voluntarily evacuate the neighborhood.