Ansonia man charged after 10-hour standoff with police

Gabriel Resto

ANSONIA -  Ansonia Police received a complaint at about 7:30 p.m. Sunday of a disturbance in a third-floor apartment on Elm Street. 

The first officer on scene met with the complainant, who was holding her nine-month-old daughter, outside of the apartment. 

She was visibly upset, and the male suspect was yelling from inside the apartment, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a written release. 

Once the officer determined the suspect was the only person in the apartment, he took the complainant and infant to a safe area away from the house while other officers secured the perimeter. 

The complainant reported the male was Gabriel Resto, 34, of Ansonia, her boyfriend and father of the infant. She told the officer Resto was yelling at her, playing loud music, and acting erratically. 

She also reported Resto had a handgun and was displaying the weapon. 

The Connecticut State Police was contacted to assist in talking Resto out of the apartment. The Connecticut State Police Emergency Service Unit responded to the scene and immediately began attempts to contact Resto in order to convince him to come out of the apartment and surrender peacefully. 

After more than 10 hours of attempted contact and negotiation, Resto refused to exit the home so non-lethal irritants were used to persuade him to exit. 

Police said Resto initially came out and walked down to the first floor but then turned and tried to go back into the house. At this point CSP ESU used a less lethal impact munition to subdue Resto and take him into custody.

Resto was charged with assault third degree and disorderly conduct for the domestic violence incidents involving the complainant. 

Resto was additionally charged with interfering with police for his refusal to exit the house and attempt to re-enter the house after he was told he was under arrest.

Resto was held on bonds totaling $30,000 and his arraignment is pending.

This is a press release issued shortly after noon Monday by Lt. Patrick Lynch.