David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

18-005021 (Aggravated Assault)

When the responding Officer arrived at the residence and knocked on the door, Mr. Richards made the choice to rapidly and unnecessarily escalate the situation by pointing a scoped AR15 style rifle at the Officer through a window. Seeing the deadly weapon aimed directly at him and naturally in fear for his life, the Officer drew his service pistol and fired a shot in self-defense as he sought protective cover.

Once safely repositioned in a tree line, the Officer summoned additional backup Officers, and a three-hour standoff ensued. Shortly after 2:00 AM, Mr. Richards was ultimately apprehended with the assistance of the K.P.D. S.W.A.T. Team. Once in custody, he was transported to a local healthcare facility for a medical evaluation due to the risks of a possible combination of alcohol and medication consumption.

Mr. Richards was not hit by the shot fired by the Officer, nor otherwise injured during the incident. However, as a direct result of his initial aggressive actions toward the Officers and subsequent non-compliance, criminal charges are now pending. While he currently remains hospitalized, once discharged Mr. Richards will be officially charged with both Aggravated Assault and Resisting Arrest.

As previously released:

On February 15, 2018 at approximately 11:00 PM, based upon a citizen call for service, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers were dispatched to 1175 Martingale Square to check the general health and welfare of a reportedly suicidal adult male resident.

Upon arrival of the Officers, the resident chose to rapidly and unnecessarily escalate the situation, which resulted in a three-hour standoff. Shortly after 2:00 AM, he was ultimately apprehended with the assistance of the K.P.D. S.W.A.T. Team.

Once in custody, he was transported to a local healthcare facility for evaluation; however, as a direct result of his aggressive actions toward the Officers, criminal charges are now pending.

The situation has been deescalated, and the scene is now secure; however, this remains an open and active criminal investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

44 Years of Age

Kingsport, TN

2) Resisting Arrest

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton