SWAT team tackles suspect after standoff

ROCKFORD, Ohio (WANE) - A Rockford, Ohio man barricaded himself inside of a home Saturday morning after police say he shot off a round from his handgun inside of the home.

Police said Thurman Whitted Junior, 58, and his girlfriend were in the middle of an argument at around 6:30 a.m. when things got heated. Whitted then walked into a bedroom and fired off a round. The girlfriend and her adult daughter ran from the home and called police.

Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the house, located at 310 N. Franklin Street, and tried to make contact with Whitted. The victims said he had pulled the landline out of the wall, but did have two cell phones. Police called the cell phones several times but Whitted did not answer.

Police then tried to contact Whitted by operating the sirens and air horns inside of the police cruisers. A family member also tried to make contact, but was unsuccessful. Officers then called in a SWAT team for assistance.

At 11:05 a.m., a family member of Whitted was finally able to contact him. Whitted agreed to surrender and exit the home.

Police said Whitted exited the house but refused to put his hands up and started reaching down to his pockets. SWAT team members tackled Whitted to the ground. Officers said Whitted was handcuffed and taken into custody without further incident.

Officers then received a search warrant to search the home to look for firearms and other evidence.

Police said charges are pending.

According to police, Whitted received a minor injury to his face when he was taken to the ground. No deputies were injured.