Standoff in Pike County

On 9/15/2018 at 12:40 p.m., Pike County Sheriff Charles S. Reader advised two Deputies attempted to serve a Felony Warrant on Willis Bowshier IV at his residence in the 1000 Block of Alma Omega Rd. Mr. Bowshier was hiding in an upstairs bedroom, and when approached, attempted to swing a knife at a Deputy. The Deputies then backed out of the room that Mr. Bowshier was hiding in and attempted to call him out to avoid injury to themselves or to Mr. Bowshier. Mr. Bowshier refused to comply.

Waverly Police  Department, Piketon Police Department, Ohio State Patrol, as well as Chillicothe Police Department Emergency Response Team was requested and responded. Pike County EMS was on stand-by as well as Jackson Township Fire Department.

Multiple attempts were conducted over telephone by a Chillicothe Police Department Hostage Negotiator, as well as members of the Chillicothe Police Department ERT Team attempting contact over a loud speaker, Mr. Bowshier still refused to exit the residence. After approximately 3 hours of contact and patience with Mr. Bowshier, Multiple canisters of OC gas were deployed which lead to Mr. Bowshier exiting the residence and was taken into custody without further incident.