Ladder confrontation ends in fire, gunshot

District of Columbia authorities are investigating a bizarre incident in which a Logan Circle man who had been in a running dispute with police and neighbors over a ladder was hospitalized with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and fire injuries.

Fire fighters forced themselves into a home at 1709 Vermont Ave. NW shortly after noon Thursday to check on the well-being of the homeowner, Nathaniel Rabinowitz, D.C. fire department spokesman Alan Etter said.