CRIME
**HENRY COUNTY, Va. – A tense standoff in Henry County concluded with the arrest of a 33-year-old man, Ethan Harr, following a situation that lasted more than two hours. The incident took place on Wedgewood Road, near Spartan Circle in the Ridgeway community, creating a significant disruption in the area.
According to Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis, the standoff began when Harr allegedly threatened to harm himself and brandished a firearm towards a family member. Fortunately, the family member managed to escape the residence unharmed before Harr barricaded himself inside.
Local law enforcement quickly responded to the scene, deploying a negotiation team in hopes of resolving the situation peacefully. However, Sheriff Davis reported that Harr refused to engage with the negotiators, prolonging the standoff and heightening concerns for his safety and that of the surrounding community.
Authorities remained on the scene, working diligently to ensure the situation concluded without further escalation. After a lengthy period of negotiation efforts, law enforcement was ultimately able to take Harr into custody without incident.
Sheriff Davis commended the swift response of his team and the support from neighboring law enforcement agencies that assisted during the standoff. He emphasized the importance of de-escalation tactics in situations involving mental health crises and firearms.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to assess the full circumstances surrounding the incident. It serves as a reminder of the critical need for mental health resources and effective communication in high-stress situations.
Residents in the Ridgeway community can breathe a sigh of relief as the situation has been resolved, and law enforcement continues to monitor the area for any additional concerns.
For ongoing coverage of this story and more news from Henry County, stay tuned to Star News.
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