Gallia law enforcement safely resolve armed standoff

Gallia law enforcement safely resolve armed standoff

GALLIPOLIS, Ohio – Gallia County law enforcement were dealing with a standoff this morning with an individual needing mental health help.

According to Gallia County Sheriff Matt Champlin, there was a standoff with a barricaded individual on Hawthorne Lane in Springfield Township on January 29, 2023.

”At approximately 6:37 a.m. the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office was called to respond to a residence on Hawthorne Lane, Springfield Township, on a report of a male who had brandished a firearm and was threatening to use it on himself,” stated Sheriff Champlin.

Upon the arrival of deputies, they were able to speak with the male briefly. According to the statement, the male was uncooperative with the deputies attempt to get him help. The male barricaded himself inside of a second story apartment and continued to refuse to cooperate, indicating that he wanted to harm himself.

At one point during the incident, deputies were successful in getting the male to
relinquish the handgun that he was known to have, however he continued to barricade himself inside of the residence, refusing to communicate with deputies.

It was unclear if any additional weapons were inside of the residence at the time. According to Sheriff Champlin, due to the failure of the male to communicate with deputies and his expressed desire to harm himself, irritant gas was deployed into the residence. After a short period of time, the male began
communications by phone and they were able to get him to exit the residence where he was taken into custody unharmed.

“This male was taken from the scene and is being provided care for the mental health crisis he is experiencing,” stated Sheriff Champlin.

Champlin further stated, “We are all thankful for the outcome of this situation and I want to praise the efforts of my staff, who did everything right to make sure that everyone walked away from this situation unharmed and we are able to get this man the help he needs. I want to also thank the Gallia County E.M.S., Springfield Fire Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, who all came to assist in this successful resolution.”