BARRON COUNTY -- One person has been arrested following a 6-hour standoff with law enforcement on Sunday in the Chetek, WI, according to a joint press release from both the Barron County Sheriff's Department and Chetek Police Department.
Press Release
On Sunday, May 2, 2021, at 4:02 p.m., the Chetek Police Department responded to a 911 call at 1203 W Banks Street for a subject that was acting strange and paranoid. As the Chetek Police Officer arrived on scene a male subject, identified as Kevin Swartz, 35 of this address, told law enforcement that he had a gun, would shoot them and that he also had an explosive device in the house. Negotiations continued for about 30 minutes and the suspect came out with some sort of black device that he claimed was an explosive. The subject stated that if they got any closer, he would set off the explosive device.
The Barron/Rusk County Emergency Response team was called to the scene along with the Chetek Fire Department, Wisconsin State Patrol and Wisconsin DNR. A perimeter was set up and nearby residences were evacuated.
Negotiations continued with the subject inside for several hours with the use of gas and other distraction devices to attempt to have the subject exit the residence. The subject refused to exit. The Barron/Rusk Team breached the residence and made contact with the suspect as he crawled into the ceiling. Negotiations continued with the team inside the residence until the subject fell through the ceiling and was taken into custody just before 10:00 p.m.
A search warrant was conducted by the Chetek Police Department on the residence and no explosive devices or weapon were located. The device displayed earlier was a painted cylinder that did not contain anything.
We want to thank all the citizens that were evacuated for their patience and allowing us to end this incident without injuries to the suspect or deputies.
Mr. Swartz will be charged last this week by the Barron County District Attorney’s Office.
- Chris Fitzgerald, Barron County Sheriff
- Ron Ambrozaitis, Chetek Police Chief
Last Update: May 04, 2021 10:06 am CDT
