MAN IN CRISIS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER ARMED STANDOFF AT TELLICO VILLAGE BOAT RAMP
On Sunday afternoon in Loudon County, Tennessee, SWAT team members and crisis negotiators responded to the Poplar Springs Boat Ramp in Tellico Village around 2:50 p.m. following reports of a man in crisis. A resident had called dispatch to report that her husband was armed with a pistol and making suicidal threats.
Sheriff’s deputies initially went to the home, but the man had already left in his vehicle. Authorities located the vehicle on Highway 444, attempted a traffic stop that he refused, leading to a pursuit during which dispatchers maintained phone contact with him. He eventually agreed to pull over at the boat ramp but refused to exit the vehicle or surrender his firearm. After nearly two hours of negotiations, the man was taken into custody around 4:40 p.m. using less-lethal methods, including bean bag rounds and a Taser according to some reports.
He was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, and no charges had been filed at the time. The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the availability of help for those experiencing suicidal thoughts, directing people to call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or 911 in immediate danger.
