A Schuylkill County man is in custody this morning following a standoff at his residence that began last night.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Christopher Loftus, 69, of North Manheim Township, near Schuylkill Haven, was taken into custody about 2 a.m. today after the state police SERT team members entered the home.

The incident began earlier Wednesday when Loftus made threats to a 69-year-old woman in the residence. Loftus told the woman he was going to slit her throat and kill her while he was holding a shotgun. After the victim called state police to report the incident Loftus made threats he was going to shoot any police officer who walks onto his porch. He related he was seated in is chair with a shotgun waiting for police to arrive.

Troopers responded to the home about 9 p.m. and made numerous attempts to have Loftus come out of the home with negative results. An arrest warrant was then obtained for Loftus for terroristic threats and the SERT unit was called to the scene.

SERT unit members attempted to negotiate with Loftus to have him come out of the home which he refused to do. Then about 2 a.m. the SERT unit members entered the home and took him into custody. Found in the residence were numerous firearms, including a loaded shotgun.

Loftus is facing numerous charges and as of this morning was waiting to appear before a district judge for arraignment.