Barricaded man fires at RCMP

The RCMP in eastern Newfoundland say a man who has barricaded himself in a house fired at police officers late Wednesday.

Leo Crockwell, who is wanted on a warrant for charges that include assault with a weapon and uttering threats, fired shots at police after the RCMP tried to flush him out of a house in Bay Bulls with tear gas.

Sgt. Boyd Merrill said officers took new positions after the shots were fired, and did not shoot back.

"There's been an increased amount of aggressive behaviour by Mr. Crockwell over the past few days," Merrill told CBC News Thursday, describing the force's decision to use tear gas.

"It was the appropriate time to do it."

Crockwell has been holed up in the home in Bay Bulls, about 30 kilometres south of St. John's, since Saturday.

Police said a standoff began after Crockwell reportedly threatened family members. Since then, police have been unable to make contact with Crockwell, who has a history of mental illness.

Crockwell had fired on a police robot on four occasions this week.

Police have so far refused to use force to apprehend Crockwell, noting that he has access to weapons.