Manchester, N.H. Man Allegedly Threatened Firefighters after Starting Blaze

Firefighters responding to a report of a gas leak on Union Street on Tuesday found a man barricaded in his apartment making threats, officials said. Fire officials said that residents reported a smell of natural gas at about 9 a.m. at 656 Union St. While the utility company was searching for the leak, firefighters went to a second-floor apartment, and officials said a man there, Andrew Ellison, threatened them. "We had an occupant of the building that had barricaded himself on the second floor," District Chief James Burkish said. "Firefighters arrived on scene for a natural gas leak. He threatened the firefighters to stay away. We evacuated the building, got everyone out, and then a building fire ensued." Officials said they believe Ellison turned on the gas and started the fire. Burkish said that the fire started shortly after the building was evacuated. The man jumped from the window to the ground and was taken to Elliot Hospital with severe cuts on his leg and arm. His condition was not known, but officials said he was undergoing a psychological evaluation.