A Van Buren County man has been arrested on charges including kidnapping and resisting arrest after authorities say he took a woman hostage and barricaded himself inside a home. The ordeal resulted in a lengthy standoff late Friday night that ended without injury, according to officials.
The incident began around 11:01 p.m. when the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a Personal Protection Order (PPO) violation at a residence located in the 38000 block of 62nd Street in Bangor Township. As per the FOX 17 report, the homeowner reported the suspect, a 33-year-old Bangor area man, had arrived at the home, prompting fears he would assault the 33-year-old female protected by the PPO.
Deputies made contact with the homeowner, who informed them all occupants, aside from the suspect and victim, had safely evacuated and were awaiting the arrival of law enforcement. Taken to be barricaded with the victim, the suspect was found in a back bedroom when deputies entered the residence, as detailed in a Van Buren County Sheriff's Office news release. The deputies then ordered the man to exit the bedroom, commands which he refused.
Following a confrontation where the suspect armed himself with a baseball bat and later two knives, he unsuccessfully was shot with a taser by officers after throwing one of the knives at them. Despite the tense scenario, after "lengthy negotiation," the man surrendered and was arrested without further incident, the Sheriff's Office stated. No injuries were reported among the deputies, the suspect, or the woman involved. The suspect now faces multiple felony charges, with the case remaining under investigation, as per the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office.
