NORWICH - The City of Norwich Police Department announces the arrest of a Norwich man, following a domestic incident that prompted a high-risk police response and led to the discovery of a substantial collection of firearms and ammunition, including multiple assault-style rifles and a firearm reported stolen.

Anthony A. Werner, 26, was arrested and charged with several felonies involving firearms.

The incident began on Oct. 16, when officers from the City of Norwich Police Department responded to Hale Street in the city of Norwich for a reported domestic incident in progress.

Upon arrival, officers learned that Werner had allegedly exited his residence at 14 Hale Street and confronted an individual who was protected by an active order of protection against him.

During the confrontation, Werner allegedly used a knife to slash a tire on the victim's vehicle before running back through the front door of his residence with a weapon in hand, reported police.

As officers began their investigation, they received information indicating that multiple individuals remained inside the residence. Once all attempts to establish communication with Werner were exhausted, officers were unable to contact him or confirm his whereabouts.

Given the circumstances, the uncertainty surrounding Werner's location and the presence of other individuals inside the residence, officers treated the situation as a potential high-risk barricaded-subject incident.

Members of the City of Norwich Police Department and the Chenango County Sheriff's Office coordinated a tactical response, developing a plan to safely enter and systematically clear the residence. Officers entered through an open rear door and conducted a methodical search to locate Werner, identify any potential threats and ensure that no individuals inside the residence were injured or in immediate danger.

All other occupants of the residence were ultimately determined to be safe, reported the NPD in a statement.

“What began as a domestic incident quickly developed into a more dire situation. Our officers were able to actively switch from a communication plan to a dynamic tactical plan as the facts available to them at that moment changed, all circling a clear priority of protecting human life,” stated City of Norwich Police Chief Matthew Roberts.

“We do not get the benefit of hindsight, so for their decisive actions in the moment to enter the unknown, knowing it very well could be an ambush-style situation, I commend them. The discovery of a slew of weapons and a substantial amount of ammunition inside this residence underscores the seriousness of this case and the importance of enforcing orders of protection,” he said.

During the response, officers reported discovering a small stockpile of firearms and ammunition inside Werner's bedroom, including multiple assault-style rifles and a stolen firearm.

Of particular concern to investigators, Werner was legally prohibited from possessing any firearms at the time of the incident due to an active order of protection issued against him. Despite this prohibition, officers said they discovered multiple firearms within his bedroom, resulting in additional felony weapons charges.

The investigation determined that Werner had fled the residence through the rear exit before police arrived. The rear exit was not in view from the front of the residence.

Werner was arrested on Oct. 18 and processed on the charges from the incident.

Werner was subsequently charged with: First-degree criminal contempt, class E felony; Third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (assault weapon),class D felony (two counts); Criminal possession of a firearm, class E felony (two counts) and Third-degree criminal mischief, class E felony.

Werner was arraigned in Chenango County Central Arraignment Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility in lieu of $75,000 cash bail.

The City of Norwich Police Department extends its appreciation to the Chenango County Sheriff's Office for its assistance and cooperation during this incident.

- Information from the Norwich Police Department