Wilmington, Delaware police officer charged after standoff

WILMINGTON, Del. (WPVI) -- A Wilmington police officer is now facing charges after a standoff that forced the closure of a nearby high school.

Investigators say Master Corporal Michael Ballard barricaded himself inside a home in the 500 block of Essex Ave late Thursday night.

The ordeal lasted all night, causing police to issue a shelter in place order, and Conrad Schools of Science High School to shut down on Friday.

Police say it appears Ballard fired a gun in the direction of neighboring houses.

Ballard surrendered at 9:30 a.m.

Police say he has been on administrative leave since a similar incident a few months ago.

He will now undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

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