A 41-year-local man is behind bars following a tense armed standoff with law enforcement late Friday night, August 22, according to the Kingston Police Department.

At approximately 10:10 p.m., officers responding to a “shots heard” call on N. Third Street spotted a two-door orange vehicle driving erratically. As the vehicle passed an officer’s parked cruiser, a loud bang and a flash of light—consistent with a gunshot—were reported.

Police pursued the vehicle to the Scottish Arms apartments on James Ferry Road. The driver, later identified as Leroy Thornton III, exited the vehicle, approached an officer, and pointed a small black pistol at them. Thornton then retreated into apartment D 68 before returning to the porch with a firearm, yelling at officers.

Responding officers and Roane County deputies secured the perimeter. Following a brief phone negotiation during which Thornton reported hearing voices, authorities successfully convinced him to drop his weapon and surrender peacefully.

Law enforcement recovered the suspect’s pistol at the scene, along with an additional three pistols and two rifles.

Thornton was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Roane County Detention Facility. He faces multiple felony charges, including:

The Kingston Police Department expressed gratitude to the Roane County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance. The investigation remains active, and further updates are expected as the case develops.