Machete Wielding Stratham Man Tased By Police As House Burns

He refused to allow officers check out the three alarm house fire to see if anyone else was inside.

According to the Union Leader, 51 year-old  Edwin Aviles was found standing in the front yard of his house. Also, the house in question was on fire. Neighbors had called police and firefighters to the three-alarm blaze at 1 Crestview Terrace just after 3 a.m. Thursday morning.

When authorities arrived, Aviles was carrying a knife and machete, and told them the house was about to explode, according to the Union Leader. Police ordered him to drop his weapons, which Aviles refused to comply. In addition, he would not answer when police asked if there were any other people in the house.

Stratham Police Chief Tony King said “He wasn’t allowing the officers to check in the house for any other occupants. It appears that he was suffering from a mental-health issue. We don’t know that yet, but he’s at Exeter Hospital being evaluated. Officers were forced to tase him to take him into custody.” Aviles was charged with resisting detention, according to the Chief.

According to the Union Leader, authorities were able to gain access later, and no one was found. The the cause of the fire is not known, and the state's Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting with an investigation.