Ledyard — A 66-year-old man shot himself Monday night after police arrived in response to a report of a home invasion that didn't happen, Ledyard police said. 

Police were dispatched to 40 Chapman Lane in Gales Ferry at 10:52 p.m. for a reported shooting and possible home invasion, the Ledyard Police Department said in a news release.

The caller said he had a chest wound and that he'd shot the intruder dead, Lt. Ken Creutz said.

When police arrived, they entered the home and saw the man sitting in a reclining chair in the living room, pointing a rifle at his face, police said. Officers were unsuccessful in their attempts to get him to put down the weapon, and the man shot himself to death.

Creutz clarified that there was never an intruder, and the caller did not have a chest wound at any point. He said the man was living at the home with his wife.

In addition to Ledyard police, the Gales Ferry Fire Department, American Ambulance and Town of Groton police responded.

Creutz said mental health services are being provided to the first responders. "We debrief these types of incidents routinely," he said, adding that the mental health of officers and dispatchers is always paramount.

The State's Attorney's Office from New London arrived at the scene to take over the investigation, which is now being conducted by the Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad.

Day Staff Writer Kimberly Drelich contributed to this report.

e.moser@theday.com