Report of armed break-in prompts big police response in Holden

HOLDEN — A reported break-in at a home on Wachusett Street brought a large police presence Monday evening.

Officers were told that the perpetrator was possibly armed and could still be in the house.

A police perimeter was set up around the house, with Holden police receiving backup from state police and officers from Princeton and West Boylston.

Traffic in the area was detoured, and residents living nearby wrote on social media that they were asked to remain inside their homes. They reported seeing tactical team members and police with guns drawn.

The incident began shortly after 5 p.m. Hours later, it was determined the perpetrator was not in the house, police said.

"The property was thoroughly searched and no suspects were found inside the residence," Holden police wrote in a news release. "It is believed that the suspects fled prior to the arrival of HPD."

Police said there is no danger to the public.

"We strongly believe this is an isolated incident and that only the one residence was targeted!" the release said. 

The case remains under investigation.