HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Hanceville Police Chief Joshua Howell and an array of HPD officers were involved in standoff with an armed man with dementia on Dec. 22. The event ended peacefully with no injuries.
Howell said he was called to the scene around 11:15 p.m.
“Upon arrival I was briefed on the situation by Officer Burchfield and Officer Freeman,” Howell said. “At approximately 11:05 p.m., Hanceville Police Department dispatch received a call from a young female stating her father with dementia obtained a firearm and believed people were outside their residence attempting to kidnap her and her sister. Furthermore, the caller stated, the firearm was loaded and they had made several attempts themselves to get the firearm away from their father but were unsuccessful and they were afraid he was going to shoot someone.”
Howell said after he arrived on scene, they negotiated with the father for over an hour.
“Negotiations were not effective or successful due to his dementia,” Howell said. “At that time, we had to formulate and develop a strategic plan to distract the male to obtain a firearm, which was a success.”
Howell said the resolution would not have been possible if it were not for proactive officers employed at the HPD.
“I want to personally thank Officer Burchfield and Officer Freeman and their compassion, care and restraint,” Howell said. “It was through their effective negotiation tactics and quick thinking resulting in the successful resolution of the situation without any incident.”
Howell continued, “I am a boots-on-the-ground, working chief who truly cares about the officers and citizens of his community and will be present during situations such as this to support everyone involved. These types of situations do not only affect the officers, but individuals as well. I want to be there for everyone involved in a high-stress situation such as this. Our goal within our department to work for our community to resolve conflicts with the utmost respect, care and compassion for our citizens and community.”
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