AUBURN — Auburn and State police have brought a peaceful end to a Sunday afternoon standoff with an armed man.

According to Auburn police Chief Phil Crowell, they received a 911 call from an 83-year-old man who was “distraught and had some health issues,” and was looking for help.

In a release from Auburn Deputy Chief Jason Moen, the call came in at 11:15 a.m. from 28 Chickadee Drive resident Francis Bruno.

Moen said in the statement that Bruno was threatening suicide and that Bruno’s wife was still inside the home. Crowell said the couple is dealing with some physical issues as well as dementia.

At the scene, Crowell said Bruno had some concerns about his ailing wife.

“We know he has a firearm — he’s in the home — not really willing to come out and speak with us at this point,” Crowell said.

Shortly after 2 p.m., Crowell said the Maine State Police had negotiators on scene and had made contact with Bruno, and were attempting to resolve the situation peacefully.

According to Crowell, about a dozen officers had been working in the cold, surrounding the perimeter of the single family home the man shares with his wife. Adjacent homes had all been evacuated, he said.

Shortly after 3 p.m., Bruno was convinced to leave the house peacefully. Moen said Bruno was taken into protective custody and brought to St. Mary’s Hospital for evaluation.

Moen said Bruno was summonsed for creating a police standoff. His wife left the home unharmed and is in the care of family members.

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