The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office says the man who held deputies at bay for six hours Thursday claimed to be holding a woman at gunpoint at the Luxury Inn in Watkinsville. Sheriff James Hale says he communicated with the man first by text message and then in person, convincing him, after a six-hour standoff, to surrender. No serious injuries were reported.
From the Oconee Co Sheriff’s Office Facebook page…
This (Thursday) morning at 0536 hours deputies responded to the Luxury Inn in Watkinsville in reference to a physical domestic dispute with reported injuries. Upon arrival, deputies met with the female victim outside the room. She advised the male suspect was hiding inside the bathroom, armed with a gun, and would not go without a fight. At that time deputies set up a perimeter, removed guests in adjacent rooms, and called for additional units. Additional Oconee Sheriff’s Office deputies as well as units from the Watkinsville Police Dept., Barrow County Sheriff’s Office SWAT, and felony probation officers responded to the scene.
Sheriff Hale was able to contact the suspect via text message. After several hours of negotiations via text message the suspect opened a window showing he was unarmed and allowed the Sheriff to speak with him in person. Ultimately the suspect was convinced to exit the room peacefully and taken into custody.
This is an ongoing investigation and names are being withheld at this time.
We are very thankful this situation ended peacefully and we appreciate all the help we received from the Watkinsville Police Dept., The Barrow county Sheriff’s Office, and Felony Probation Officers.
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