Finnish police exchange gunfire with armed man in Tornio after house set ablaze

Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (KRP) has taken over the case after a man opened fire on police multiple times in Tornio on Thursday, also setting a house ablaze, Yle reports.

The incident began when police responded to an emergency call regarding an individual in need of protection at a private property on Varejoentie in Tornio’s Varejärvi area. Upon arrival, the man emerged from the house armed and fired at officers, striking a police vehicle. Police returned fire, though the suspect was not injured, according to authorities.

The man retreated inside, where he later fired again at the police car before the building caught fire. Police suspect the blaze was deliberately set. The suspect eventually exited the burning house and was taken into emergency care. The property was completely destroyed in the fire.

On Friday morning, Yle reporter Sari Pöyhönen observed the scene, where a police car blocked access to the charred ruins. Only the chimney remained standing, with smoke still rising from the debris. No officers or other individuals were visible in the area.

The KRP has not yet released further details about the ongoing investigation.