The Independence Police Department responded to three incidents yesterday. The Montgomery County Chronicle reported a standoff Thursday evening on West Myrtle, immediately east of the Union Pacific railroad tracks. Police Chief Jerry Harrison said last night his office will release a press statement this morning.

 

Another armed standoff occurred earlier yesterday morning about 6am that resulted in one arrest at the 200 block of East Main to investigate a death. Chief Harrison said the death is not believed to be a criminal matter, not related to any police activity, and not related to a third incident that occurred even earlier Thursday morning when police were called to the 300 block of South Wald for a report of a disturbance which an officer witnessed as a woman struggling with a man armed with a rife.

 

The officer ordered the woman out of the house, took cover, and called for back-up. The man barricaded himself inside the home while Independence police attempted to make contact with him as well as neighbors to inform them to evacuate or take shelter. Coffeyville police assisted with an armored vehicle and communications equipment, and Montgomery County Sheriff's Department arrived to assist with securing the scene.

 

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation's tactical team and local fire and EMS were on the scene due to risk of injury for everyone involved. After four hours of attempted negotiations with the man and preparations to take him into custody, he finally surrendered. Rob Schwinger, age 52, of Independence was arrested for interfering with a a law enforcement officer and aggravated assault. Schwinger was transported to the Labette Health Emergency Room by police and then to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections.

 

Stay tuned to KGGF for updates.