WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio — A domestic violence call in Fayette County led to an hours-long armed standoff Monday before a suspect surrendered peacefully, authorities said.
Deputies with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched Feb. 23 to a residence at 10812 Washington–New Martinsburg Road in Washington Court House in response to a reported domestic violence incident.
According to the sheriff’s office, the victim told deputies that a man at the residence had threatened to kill her and then kill himself.
When deputies arrived, they made contact with Shawn Stevenson, 51, who was inside the home. Authorities said Stevenson told deputies he was armed with a firearm, refused to exit the residence, and instructed them to leave the property.
Deputies disengaged and sought cover until additional personnel arrived due to the statements made and the reported presence of a weapon.
Because Stevenson was believed to be armed and had made statements indicating possible self-harm, deputies requested assistance from the Washington Court House Police Department. A trained negotiator responded and initiated communication with Stevenson.
After several hours of negotiation, Stevenson agreed to exit the residence and was taken into custody without injury to anyone involved, authorities said.
Stevenson was transported to the Fayette County Jail and charged with domestic violence by threat, a fourth-degree misdemeanor. Officials said he was provided access to mental health resources while awaiting his initial appearance in Washington Municipal Court.
The Ross County/Fayette County Joint Emergency Response Team also responded to assist at the scene.
Authorities said the incident highlights the importance of crisis intervention training and inter-agency coordination.
No injuries were reported.