According to Pottsville Police Chief Richard Wojciechowsky, on Wednesday 09/27/17, around 8:30pm, Police were dispatched to 1215 Spring Garden Street for a domestic dispute that led a woman to believe her 64 year old husband, Darrell Lee Ward, would harm himself or others.
Police officers initially responding to the scene were told that the man had firearms in the home and police were unable to make contact with him.
Police established a perimeter around the location while numerous and continuous attempts to initiate contact with Ward were negative.
At approximately 10:45pm officers conducted a search of the residence and made contact with Ward who was discovered to be barricaded in the attic of the home and indicated he was armed and would shoot police.
Officers utilized tactical positions to contain Ward as attempts to establish a line of direct contact with Ward continued.
Eventually, police were able to speak with Ward utilizing a relative’s telephone and he was convinced to surrender himself and end the situation peacefully.
At approximately 12:45am, Thursday, 09/28/17 Ward was taken into custody inside the home and during the execution of a search warrant police recovered two firearms - an assault rifle with ammunition along with a 9mm handgun and ammunition - in the attic where Ward had been barricaded.
Ward was taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment and a criminal complaint will be prepared charging him with Terroristic Threats and Persistent Disorderly Conduct, along with any weapons charges, if applicable.
Published by: Jay Reed
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