The Haitian National Police say they have regained control of the town of Mirebalais, 30 miles northeast of the capital Port au Prince.
This came after heavily armed members of a gang burnt several houses and vehicles, and fired automatic weapons indiscriminately killing and injuring several residents.
Police deputy spokesperson, Lionel Lazarre, said the gang members attacked the police station on Monday, forcing the understaffed officers to flee, and setting fire to the premises.
He said the gang also stormed the Mirebalais civil prison and opened all the cells, resulting in the escape of more than 500 prisoners.
The action caused widespread panic, forcing many families to flee to neighbouring towns, schools and the closure of public buildings, as well as paralyzing public transportation.
Mr Lazarre said, faced with this offensive, members of a local resistance group, supported by the police, attempted to repel the attackers but ultimately retreated due to the bandits' firepower.
He said the police station and the civilian prison were eventually recaptured and that several of the gang members were fatally shot.
Firearms and ammunition were also recovered.
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