WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — An hours-long police standoff in West Liberty prompted evacuations from nearby apartment buildings before ending with a man in custody early Friday morning.
According to initial emergency radio traffic, the incident began late Thursday night when authorities received a report of a man outside with a firearm. An officer arriving in the area later requested immediate assistance after reporting a man armed with a rifle.
The situation continued into the early morning hours as additional law enforcement responded. West Virginia State Police were called to the scene, while EMS crews staged nearby.
Radio traffic indicated a woman and two children were initially inside the residence with the armed man. The woman later made it outside, while the children remained inside.
The situation escalated shortly after 1 a.m., when officers reported hearing gunfire. Additional shots were reported minutes later, and radio traffic indicated threats were being made toward law enforcement. SWAT personnel were then reported on scene.
A command post was established near the elementary school as authorities worked to communicate with the man. Drones and specialized communication equipment were also brought in during the response.
As the standoff continued, additional apartment buildings in the surrounding area were evacuated around 3 a.m. as a safety precaution.
Students living in neighboring areas were also reportedly among those who had to leave their homes during the incident.
Shortly after 6 a.m., officers began an operation to remove the two children from the residence. Radio traffic indicated officers breached a door and successfully got both children to safety.
Negotiators later established contact with the man. By approximately 6:34 a.m., radio traffic indicated he had been secured and taken into custody. He was then transported to the Northern Regional Jail.
No injuries were reported following the overnight incident.
Details contained in initial emergency radio traffic can change as authorities complete their investigation.
