Responding deputies determined the man was inside but refusing to come out.
The sheriff’s office received information from Richmond police that the suspect was considered armed and was known to carry gun and wear body armor.
The Darke County Special Response Team, which includes deputies from Preble County, and the Miami County Special Response Team also responded to the scene.
After several hours of trying to get the man to leave the residence, tear gas was deployed and deputies found the man in the attic and booked him into the Preble County Jail, according to the sheriff’s office.
U.S. 127 was closed in both directions for more than eight hours during the standoff.
Authorities identified the man as 35-year-old Justin Paul Gabbard. He was booked into jail following his arrest late Wednesday.
Credit: Preble County Jail
Credit: Preble County Jail
A warrant for a felony robbery charge was issued Oct. 21 against Gabbard in Wayne Superior Court II, a court document shows.
The Preble County Sheriff’s Office is seeking resisting arrest, obstructing official business and inducing panic charged against Gabbard stemming from the standoff. The investigation will be sent to the Preble County Prosecutor’s Office for the determination of charges, according to the sheriff’s office.
Lewisburg police, North Central EMS, West Manchester and Eldorado fire departments also assisted with the standoff.
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