Early morning police operation startles neighbors in Fairhaven

A scene from near the home where a search warrant was served Wednesday morning.

A predawn police operation that included explosive-type noises left residents in the Fairhaven neighborhood wondering if a shooting had taken place Wednesday morning.

There was no shooting, according to a police spokeswoman, who said the law enforcement action was related to a high-risk search warrant being served at a residence in the 6000 block of Rixey Drive (see map). No injuries were reported, and the spokeswoman declined to provide more information related to the warrant.

So what were the 4-5 loud bangs reported by multiple residents on Facebook and to CoveringTheCorridor.com? The police won’t say, citing a need to keep the tactics used during such operations private.

Stun grenades — also known as flashbangs — are sometimes used by police in similar situations. Other steps taken by police, such as forcing doors or windows open, can create loud sounds. 

The police said no arrests have been made related to the search, although charges could still be filed later in the week, the spokeswoman said. Witnesses did see a man being detained for time as police searched a Toyota sedan parked near the residence.