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Wanted Man Turns Four-Hour Standoff Into Attic Hide-and-Seek — Ryder Finally Captured
HENRY COUNTY, Va. — Deputies went to a Henry County home Thursday night looking for a wanted man. Nearly four hours later, they found him hiding in the attic.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office said Waylon Douglas Ryder was taken into custody after a standoff at a residence on 325 Friendly Church Road.
Deputies arrived around 7:15 p.m. Thursday, August 20, attempting to serve Ryder with an arrest warrant for a felony probation violation stemming from underlying drug-related offenses.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Ryder initially tried to run out the back door but retreated inside after seeing a deputy.
Then, police say, Ryder apparently decided the best way to avoid arrest was to start remodeling the house.
Deputies reported hearing Ryder using a power tool to screw the doors shut from the inside.
Ryder refused to surrender and was believed to be hiding somewhere inside the residence.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team responded with a search warrant and made repeated attempts to convince Ryder to come out peacefully.
Eventually, deputies opened the front door and entered the residence. During the operation, deputies helped an uninvolved woman safely exit the home.
The SWAT team then deployed chemical munitions and conducted an extensive search of the residence.
The search continued for several hours.
Shortly after 11 p.m., deputies located Ryder hiding in the attic.
He was taken into custody without further incident.
In addition to the outstanding probation violation, Ryder was charged with obstruction of justice.
He faces violations of:
Virginia Code §19.2-306 — Felony Probation Violation
Virginia Code §18.2-460 — Obstructing Justice
The Sheriff’s Office also noted that a drug overdose occurred at the same residence approximately one week before Thursday night's standoff.
The standoff lasted approximately four hours, with deputies eventually ending the search by finding Ryder above them in the attic.
Sheriff Wayne Davis said the incident should send a message to wanted individuals in Henry County.
“Let this serve as a clear message—if you are wanted by law enforcement in Henry County, there is no safe place to hide. Our deputies will use every lawful means necessary to locate you, take you into custody, and ensure you are held accountable.”
The Sheriff’s Office thanked the community for its patience and cooperation while deputies worked to safely resolve the situation.
Residents with information about wanted individuals or illegal activity can submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 276-63-CRIME (276-632-7463) or through the TIP411 mobile app.
After four hours, multiple attempts to get him out and a search of the house, Ryder apparently discovered one important fact:
The attic was not a get-out-of-jail-free card.
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