A local father and son were taken into custody on Thursday, April 23, after a domestic dispute escalated into a chainsaw standoff on Woodland Avenue, according to authorities.

Police said Jake Wells, 32, told officers over the phone that his 53-year-old father, John Wells, was outside of his residence, trying to get in and threatening him with a chainsaw at about 12:10 a.m.

Upon arrival,officers described finding an “angry” subject standing on the front porch wielding a running chainsaw.

The older Wells allegedly ignored instructions by police to drop the chainsaw until officers drew their weapons and a Taser. Police said Wells put down the saw after lengthy and heated negotiations and continued to be combative as officers took him into custody.

While officers were struggling with the older Wells, police said the son came at officers, forcing them to defend themselves against him as well. Both men were eventually taken into custody.

Police charged the father with reckless conduct, criminal threatening and resisting arrest and released him on $10,000 personal recognizance bail pending his arraignment at Salem District Court on the condition he stay away from the Woodland Avenue residence.

The younger Wells is facing charges of hindering apprehension and resisting arrest and was released with a court summons.