One man is in custody following a three and a half hour standoff in Hays Wednesday.
The incident began about 5:15 p.m. according to Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler, and the man was arrested in his house about 8:40 p.m.
“HPD received a call that a man was threatening his wife in the house with a rifle and he possibly had an explosive device,” Scheibler said after the suspect was arrested.
The woman was not in the home when officers from the Hays Police Department responded. The Special Situation Response Team was called in and officers from the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department and Kansas Highway Patrol also responded.
“There was no one else in the house, and there were no injuries. We consider this a success and the neighborhood is safe again,” Scheibler added.
UPDATE 8:40 p.m.: Police Chief Don Scheibler told Hays Post that entry was made into the home, and the suspect is in custody. No other details are available at this time.
Scheibler said officers will be on the scene for some time continuing their investigation and advised people to avoid the area if possible.
“The neighborhood is safe again,” he said.
UPDATE: 8:30 p.m. police have broken a window to gain entry to the home. Curtains and blankets are being cleared from the window.
Hays Post will have additional details on the incident as they become available.
UPDATE 8:00 p.m. Scanner traffic indicated the HPD had received a warrant for the home, and they had probable cause for an arrest. Police are still surrounding the home and traffic on Hall remained blocked.
UPDATE: 6:13 p.m. Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler has told Hays Post that HPD received a report of a man with a gun making threats late this afternoon at 528 W. 17th Street. A wide area in that location is cordoned off.
Scheibler is asking people on foot and vehicle traffic to stay out of the area. Nearby residents have been told to stay in their homes.
The local SSRT has moved into place. KHP officers are also on the scene.
UPDATE: HPD SSRT members have moved from the Eagle Media Center parking lot, 2300 Hall Street, south on Hall to the area of 17th and Elm Streets.
Members of the Hays Police Department were blocking traffic on Hall from 15th St. to 25th St. and a few blocks East of Hall around 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Traffic was being directed around the area.
Thomas More Prep-Marian school was also locked down and students were not being allowed to leave the building as of 5:10 p.m.
The situation that has caused the area to be cordoned off is unknown at this time.
FROM TMP MARIAN:
UPDATE at 6:19 p.m. “No students are on (the TMP) campus at this time. The remaining staff will remain on lockdown until released by the HPD.”
“Late this afternoon, the Hays Police Department contacted TMP-Marian administration and recommended a precautionary lockdown based on a situation off of campus. The softball parent meeting scheduled for 6:00 p.m. will be rescheduled.
All students and staff still on campus are safe and will remain on campus until the Hays Police Department releases the lockdown. TMP-Marian administration is in contact with the Hays Police Department and will follow their direction in this matter. Thank you.”
Hays Post will continue to update as more information becomes available.