Standoff Continues in Hoquiam

Originally posted March 27, 2013

At around 10:30 Wednesday morning, Hoquiam Police Officers serving a warrant on a 49 year old man were fired upon, leading to over 12 hours of a standoff.

4 officers arrived at a home on Aberdeen Avenue to serve a warrant from Sacramento for Felony Fraud on the man when he began to fire upon them. A Hoquiam officer was shot in the side, and treated at Grays Harbor Community Hospital for minor wounds. Following the attack, the 49 year old barricaded himself in the 2nd floor of the home.

Officers from throughout Western Washington agencies arrived on scene to evacuate neighboring houses and tape off the area.

Throughout the day, attempts were made to negotiate with the suspect. Police secured the bottom floor of the residence as the suspect was barricaded into the upper floor.

The suspect told police that he had body armor and a gasmask at his disposal. At one point, when tear gas was fired into the home, the suspect began to fire a weapon towards SWAT members.

Police warned residents to stay out of any sight line of the home for safety.

An additional SWAT team and officers were called in from agencies, including a vehicle resembling a tank.

Despite no visible action for hours, reports said that the suspect was still alive and well within the home after 10pm.

Loud speakers were used telling the suspect to come out of the home with his hands up and tear gas was once again used.

More details as they develop.