A 64-year-old man holding a shotgun and threatening to kill himself Sunday night resulted in a several-hours-long stand-off with police before the man surrendered.
Pine Bluff Police Department Lt. David De Foor said in a press release that Thomas Knowles was taken to Jefferson Regional Medical Center after the incident to be treated for “pre-existing medical conditions,” and was still being treated Monday.
The incident began at about 9:12 p.m. when officers were called to 1507 S. Missouri St. in response to a report of a man firing a gun at the house.
When they arrived they found Knowles in front of the house with a shotgun. When officers approached, Knowles pointed the gun at himself and threatened suicide.
When the officers tried to talk to Knowles, De Foor said Knowles retreated to a car parked at the house.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Mr. Knowles kept the firearm pointed at himself the entire time and never aggressed the officers,” De Foor said. “It was later determined that Mr. Knowles had fired the weapon at family members prior to officer’s arrival, but no one was hit nor was anyone injured.”
According to the press release, just after 10 p.m., Knowles tried to leave the residence in the vehicle but ran the car into a ditch a short distance away. He stayed in the car, threatening to shoot himself, until about 1:30 a.m.
“At no time did Mr. Knowles threaten anyone but himself while officers were present,” De Foor said in the press release.
At about 1:30 a.m., police negotiators were able to talk Knowles into throwing the shotgun out of the vehicle and surrendering.
De Foor said detectives are still investigating the incident to determine what Knowles will be charged with.