Police have identified the suspect in this morning’s standoff in Douglas Park as 58-year-old Thomas Amshey.
Amshey is being held without bond at the Arlington County Detention Center. He has been charged with assault, brandishing a firearm and obstruction of justice.
Amshey surrendered to police at 11:20 this morning, following a 16-hour standoff that involved dozens of police officers and culminated with SWAT team members launching tear grenade cannisters into Amshey’s home.
See the police press release on the incident, after the jump.
The Arlington County Police Department has made an arrest after a prolonged barricade that started on Friday, July 16, 2010. Thomas Amshey, 58, of Arlington, was charged with Assault, Brandishing a Firearm and Obstruction of Justice.
At approximately 6:40 pm last night, police were called to the 1500 block of South Nelson Street for a dispute between neighbors. The male victim stated he had a verbal disagreement with the suspect who brandished a firearm at him while banging on the door of the victim’s house. Mr. Amshey returned to his own house before police arrived. He then refused to exit the house when officers requested.
Police personnel immediately set up a perimeter around the suspect’s residence for the safety of the neighborhood. The standoff last over 16 hours. During this time, the Arlington County Police Department’s Emergency Response Team responded to assist with the incident. After several hours the City of Alexandria Police Department’s Emergency Response Team assumed control of the perimeter, providing relief for Arlington personnel. Arlington County Police units re-assumed command early this morning. Residents in a two-block radius were alerted of the possible hazard. The barricade came to a successful resolution after many hours of negotiations when Mr. Amshey was convinced to exit his residence at 11:20 a.m.
Mr. Amshey is currently being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Center. Anyone who has additional information about this incident is asked to contact Detective John Donaggio at (703) 228-4167.”