Standoff near school ends peacefully

 A standoff at a home near Whitley County High School ended peacefully Wednesday.

Sheriff Colan Harrell along with several deputies responded to a complaint at 89 Davenport Lane that the resident, 57-year-old Taliesin Gwyddioniaid, had barricaded himself inside and was threatening to hurt himself.

Harrell stated that Gwyddioniaid refused to open the door, telling Harrell and his deputies to, “Go away.”

Gwyddioniaid then turned up a radio to drown out officers’ attempts to speak with him.

Harrell and his deputies remained on the scene to ensure the safety of neighborhood residents and faculty, staff and students at the middle and high schools.

Davenport Lane was closed to school traffic during the standoff.

About 3:50 p.m. Deputy Brian Lawson reportedly heard a gargle from inside the home at which time Harrell and his deputies decided to force their way inside.

“The possibility of him needing some kind of medical attention was a nine,” Harrell said.

“He wasn’t injured with a weapon that he had,” Harrell said, noting deputies recovered a loaded 12-gauge shotgun that Gwyddioniaid had in his hand pointed toward the door, and a .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol long with three extra magazines.

The serial number on the pistol had been obscured.

Gwyddioniad was taken to Baptist Health Corbin.

Harrell said Gwyddioniad made no statement to deputies as to why he did this.

The investigation into the incident is continuing and criminal charges may be filed as a result.

Harrell was assisted at the scene by Chief Deputy K.Y. Fuson and deputies Lawson, Jeff Anderson and Cody Harrell.

This standoff led to the Sheriff and four deputies being tied up for over two hours,” Harrell stated. “This situation in itself is unique; however, it is no uncommon for deputies to be occupied with emergency calls for an extended amount of time. Sheriff Harrell appreciates all the understanding during this time for all the delay in services and the inconvenience it may have caused the public”