Benton County Deputies Arrest Man After 3 Hour Standoff
By: Tyler Thomason
Updated: January 11, 2013
Rory Anderson says he woke up to the sound of a gun being loaded and a drunken roommate threatening him with that weapon.
Benton County Sheriff's deputies responded to Anderson's 9-1-1 call just before 8 Thursday morning.
Within minutes the home on Hickory Drive was surrounded and a three-hour standoff between police and 50-year-old Dennis Melchart ensued.
Despite S.W.A.T. team and negotiating efforts, Melchart remained unresponsive until tear gas forced him out.
Officers say Melchert appeared intoxicated and unaware as to what exactly was going on when he did exit the home.
Police recovered a pistol as well as a rifle.
Melchert remains in the Benton County jail -- no bond set -- facing two felonies: aggravated assault and terroristic threatening.
"Mainly, it sounds like the drinking, is kind of what -- it sounded like there was a drinking issue and just days of that going on led to it," says Benton County Major Shawn Holloway.
"This is what over-abuse of anything, alcohol, drugs, abuse can do. And it's a warning sign, if someone can't stop it, you need to get them out of your house," Anderson says.
Anderson, who says Melchert was on day three of a drinking binge -- did escape without injury, although his house did suffer some damage.
Anderson says Melchert is originally from Iowa, and was staying with him on a temporary basis.
Benton County Sheriff's deputies responded to Anderson's 9-1-1 call just before 8 Thursday morning.
Within minutes the home on Hickory Drive was surrounded and a three-hour standoff between police and 50-year-old Dennis Melchart ensued.
Despite S.W.A.T. team and negotiating efforts, Melchart remained unresponsive until tear gas forced him out.
Officers say Melchert appeared intoxicated and unaware as to what exactly was going on when he did exit the home.
Police recovered a pistol as well as a rifle.
Melchert remains in the Benton County jail -- no bond set -- facing two felonies: aggravated assault and terroristic threatening.
"Mainly, it sounds like the drinking, is kind of what -- it sounded like there was a drinking issue and just days of that going on led to it," says Benton County Major Shawn Holloway.
"This is what over-abuse of anything, alcohol, drugs, abuse can do. And it's a warning sign, if someone can't stop it, you need to get them out of your house," Anderson says.
Anderson, who says Melchert was on day three of a drinking binge -- did escape without injury, although his house did suffer some damage.
Anderson says Melchert is originally from Iowa, and was staying with him on a temporary basis.
