FAIRFIELD — State and local police converged on the area of Montcalm and West streets Tuesday afternoon and early evening, blocking motorists from entering Montcalm while they dealt with a situation, the nature of which was not disclosedn.

A State Police Crisis Negotiation Team van and about a dozen other state police, Fairfield and Waterville police vehicles were parked in the former Maurice & Son auto body shop on West Street, where they appeared to set up a command center. That shop is just south of Lawrence High School.

State police donned fatigues, backpacks and helmets and, carrying long rifles, walked in pairs from the command center on West Street south toward Montcalm, making their way between houses and toward a house where an incident reportedly was taking place.

Earlier in the afternoon, a School Administrative District 49 school bus trying to enter Montcalm Street was turned back by a Fairfield officer stationed near that street.

As the afternoon turned to early evening, motorists were trying to get in and out of winding, narrow streets and homes that are close together in the area. Some were not able to get to their homes.

Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the state Department of Public Safety, said he typically does not comment on such a situation involving state police until the matter is resolved.

A state police officer at the scene said he could not comment on the matter.

A call placed to Fairfield police Chief Tom Gould was not returned as of 6 p.m.

Amy Calder — 861-9247

acalder@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @AmyCalder17

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