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Washington man prompts standoff

2 min read
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A Washington man’s call to a 911 operator Sunday night prompted a standoff and response by the Washington County Regional SWAT team before he was taken into custody without incident about two hours later.

Dennis Cole called 911 just before 7 p.m. and told a dispatcher that people were trying to get into his home at 810 Addison St. in Washington. Cole said the people wanted to harm him. He also reportedly told the dispatcher he was armed.

When police arrived, no one appeared to be in the house. They had Cole’s cellphone pinged in an attempt to locate him. That indicated he was in the area.

A bystander told police Cole was, in fact, in the house and had two guns. Police said Cole kept calling 911 but would then hang up. Police finally contacted Cole, who reportedly told police he was armed and high on cocaine. The street in front of his house was closed, and officers surrounded the house.

Cole allegedly made threats he would shoot anyone, including police, who came to his house. Police Chief Robert Wilson arrived and spoke at length with Cole on the phone, trying to coax him out of the house. When Cole continued to refuse to come out, the SWAT team was notified.

Cole continued to talk with police. When his brother arrived, he was allowed to speak with him. The SWAT team arrived and set up a staging area.

Police said Cole agreed to leave the house on his own and was taken into custody without incident by members of the SWAT team. Police said two guns were found in a second-floor bedroom and confiscated to verify ownership.

Cole was taken to Washington Hospital for an evaluation. Police said Cole, who is wanted on an outstanding warrant, will be charged with terroristic threats and resisting arrest.

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