A tense seven-hour standoff came to a peaceful resolution Wednesday, June 14, when Jeremy S. Sassen, 43, finally surrendered to law enforcement officers after tear gas was deployed into his residence.
Officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department received a distress call at 3:23 p.m. regarding the mental well-being of Sassen that escalated quickly into a domestic violence situation at 501 Gunntown Road.
Upon arrival, officers learned that Sassen had barricaded himself within a room and was potentially armed with multiple weapons. Concerned for the safety of all parties involved, officers promptly evacuated the residence and summoned additional assistance.
The Bellefontaine Police Special Response Team, along with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, was dispatched to the scene. The Ohio State Highway Patrol Special Response Team was also called upon to provide support and help secure a peaceful resolution.
While crisis negotiators attempted to establish contact with Sassen through various means, officers established a secure perimeter and evacuated neighboring residences. However, all attempts to communicate with Sassen proved unsuccessful, leading to the acquisition of search and arrest warrants for his apprehension.
As crisis negotiators and Special Response Team members from the Ohio State Highway Patrol arrived, the joint law enforcement effort continued to try and establish contact with Sassen. Unfortunately, all attempts remained fruitless.
After exhausting all other options, the Special Response Team deployed “C.S. gas” munitions into the residence. Sassen eventually surrendered peacefully by exiting the home at 9:19 p.m. He was taken into custody without further incident and was charged with strangulation and domestic violence.
Throughout the ordeal, the Bellefontaine Fire Department was also present to provide assistance and render aid to Sassen before he was transported to the Logan County Jail.
This intense standoff required the presence and collaboration of numerous law enforcement officers, deputies, troopers, firefighters and medics who remained on the scene for over seven hours. Their coordinated efforts ensured the safety of all involved and successfully resolved the situation without any injuries.
The Bellefontaine Police Department commended the professionalism and dedication displayed by all personnel involved in the operation. The swift response and calculated tactics employed by law enforcement agencies played a crucial role in the peaceful resolution of this potentially dangerous situation.