SWAT team takes man into custody in Southington

Meriden resident, facing multiple charges, had reportedly threatened to kill police, self

A Meriden man was taken into custody by a SWAT team in Southington last week following recent threats of selfharm and threats reportedly directed toward police, according to Southington police.

Jeffrey Colrus, 32, was arrested Friday in a Prospect Street home where police said he has a history with the homeowner, including a recent incident in which he reportedly threatened to kill the person, the Southington Police Department said Monday.

Police in Southington were called to the home about 5:45 p.m. after a neighbor heard loud banging coming from inside the home, police said. A witness also reported seeing a white car known to be associated with Colrus parked in the garage.

Based on Colrus’ history with the homeowner, as well as recent threats to kill himself and police, Southington police said they established a perimeter around the house and called for the Central Region Emergency Response Team to respond.

SWAT members entered the home and found the homeowner uninjured, police said. Colrus was found hiding in the home with the assistance of a K-9 and was taken into custody about 8:30 p.m.

Southington police served Colrus with three warrants charging him with second-degree threatening, disorderly conduct, third-degree criminal mischief, third-degree burglary and sixth-degree larceny. The charges stem from multiple incidents, including the threat made against the homeowner, police said.

Colrus was also charged with interfering with an officer and disorderly conduct in connection with the incident on Friday that prompted the SWAT response. Police also noted that he was in possession of a stolen car.

Colrus was held on bond over the weekend and was expected to be arraigned Monday in New Britain Superior Court.

Southington police said North Branford police also charged Colrus with failure to appear, saying he has pending charges stemming from multiple warrants from Connecticut State Police and Meriden police.