Family violence leads to weekend standoff in Byron

BYRON, Ga. — A heavy law enforcement presence was spotted Sunday near White Road in Byron in response to a domestic incident that led to a standoff, with Houston County Sheriff’s Office responding to the call.

According to HCSO, around noon on April 16, deputies were dispatched to a residence on the 100 block of Hanover Drive in response to a family violence call. Due to testimony from the victim on scene, deputies had probable cause to arrest the suspect, identified as 65-year-old Richard Earl Thomas on Aggravated Assault – Family Violence charges.

When deputies arrived on scene, Thomas barricaded himself inside the residence with multiple loaded firearms, refusing to comply with requests to leave.

According to Lt. Matthew Moulton, deputies then enacted standard operating procedure by removing the victim from the scene, setting up a perimeter and attempting to make contact with Thomas. After he refused, the Sheriff’s Response Team was enacted alongside crisis negotiation specialists.

The team was able to make contact with Thomas via telephone. After several hours of negotiation, Thomas voluntarily left the house and was taken into custody without incident.

Thomas was taken to a local hospital to be evaluated and then taken to Houston County Detention Center.

Moulton explained that while the event was stressful overall, Thomas ultimately complying without incident was the best outcome.

“It was a stressful event that ended peacefully. Anytime that happens, that’s a success in our books,” Moulton said.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with more information is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (478) 542-2085.

HHJ News