A domestic disturbance on Heather Drive in Pocahontas escalated into a three-hour standoff that ended with the deployment of tear gas, authorities said.
According to the Randolph County Sheriff's Office, Pocahontas police initially responded to the residence, where they encountered 55-year-old Billy Anderson. Anderson reportedly barricaded himself inside the home, claiming to have weapons and making verbal threats that he would not exit alive.
A coordinated response involving multiple agencies unfolded as officers tried to resolve the situation. After hours of negotiation, law enforcement decided to deploy tear gas to end the standoff. Anderson was taken into custody shortly after the gas was introduced into the residence. Emergency medical personnel evaluated him at the scene before he was transported to the Randolph County Detention Center.
Anderson faces multiple charges, including domestic battery in the third degree, obstructing governmental operations, misdemeanor interference with emergency communications in the first degree, and misdemeanor resisting arrest.
The standoff involved assistance from several agencies, including the Pocahontas Police Department, Randolph County Sheriff's Department, Pocahontas Fire Department, ProMed Ambulance, the Third Judicial District Drug Task Force, and Arkansas State Police.