Man rescued in Schenectady after blocking himself inside burning basement

A man had to be pulled from a burning home in Schenectady after barricading himself in the basement.

It all started around 5:30 a.m. Thursday, when Schenectady police were called to the scene in the 400 block of Arthur Street. That’s where they say a man was threatening to shoot officers and burn down the house.

Officers spotted flames and heavy smoke coming from the basement while they were trying to make contact with the man.

Everyone inside got out safely and firefighters doused the flames. The man is being treated at Ellis Hospital.