Police say suspect involved in robbery, standoff, arson taken into custody

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – An armed robbery suspect is in police custody after a standoff Sunday evening.

Wilmington Police arrested 26-year-old Saead El Helo after they say he barricaded himself in a home in South Wilmington.

Officers say El Helo had warrants for arrest following an alleged armed robbery of a nearby Scotchman earlier that day. They located him at a home on Vance Street around 6:00 P.M.

Police say when he saw the officers approaching, El Helo barricaded himself inside a residence. He then set fire to the house, destroying the inside. 

Police took El Helo into custody without incident in less than an hour.

He is currently being treated at New Hanover Regional Medical Center for smoke inhalation.