Power cut in Bay Bulls standoff

Police in a small community south of St. John's have cut off the power to a house where a man has barricaded himself, as an unusual standoff continued into its seventh day.

RCMP confirmed that power was cut Thursday night to the Bay Bulls house where Leo Crockwell, 55, barricaded himself on Saturday after allegedly threatening family members.

Neighbours told CBC News on Friday that other houses in the community, about 30 kilometres south of St. John's, temporarily lost power while police disconnected the house.

Meanwhile, police used a bullhorn Thursday night to encourage the armed man to give up.

"It's time to help yourself now. Time to pick up the phone and give us a call," an RCMP negotiator called out to Crockwell.

"Can't keep going on like this Leo," the negotiator called out.

"Pick up your home phone, or pick up the phone outside your door. I want to talk to you, Leo. I know you're tired. It's getting cold. Time to talk to us, Leo."

Crockwell, who has a history of mental illness, fired at police officers on Wednesday night, and also fired at an RCMP robot on four separate occasions.

Crockwell is wanted on a warrant for charges that include assault with a weapon and uttering threats.

Crockwell shot at police after they prepared to use tear gas to flush him out of the house where he is staying.

Crockwell, though, has refused to engage with the police in any way, and has turned down every request to communicate.

Town's businesses cut off

The standoff has caused problems for residents in Bay Bulls, as RCMP have closed traffic on some streets, including the only access to the town's supermarket and post office.

Residents have told CBC News that Crockwell is intelligent but fiercely protective of family land in the community.

Crockwell was involuntarily admitted to the Waterford psychiatric hospital in 1998. He was eventually released after he refused to be examined by psychiatrists.