An armed South Carolina man was arrested after reportedly holding a woman, two children, and an infant hostage during a standoff with the authorities lasting several hours.
On the evening of April 17, a man, woman, infant, and two children were together in a Gaffney home when a domestic incident reportedly occurred. During the unrest, the woman reportedly became fearful and dialed 911 on her cell phone without the man knowing she called. She said she needed help and then put the phone down. The dispatcher reported that they were able to hear some of what they believed was going on in the home.
Officers from the Gaffney Police Department headed to the address while staying informed about what was heard on the other end of the phone. According to reports, they found out the man in the house was holding the baby while also holding a firearm.
When they arrived, they tried to intervene, but the man reportedly refused to let the woman and children leave, and he would not come outside. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, in addition to a hostage negotiator, went to the location to try to assist. After approximately three hours, the man let them go.
The man, who has several domestic violence-related priors, was taken into custody and booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center. He is currently facing preliminary charges of four counts of kidnapping, one count of possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and one count of first-degree domestic violence. According to jail records, the judge has denied bond, and he remains in jail. It was reported that additional charges may be added after further investigation.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a domestic violence offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.