Sleeping Man Keeps Cops At Bay For 11 Hours [View All]

[matcom]

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GANG MILLS, N.Y. -- A police standoff that lasted 11 hours because the suspect said he was sleeping ended peacefully Thursday. Billy Abbey, 31, surrendered at 11:30 a.m. after Steuben County sheriff's deputies broke his second-floor bedroom window, waking him and his son.

Authorities responded after reports that Abbey had disputes with his neighbor and girlfriend around midnight, state police Sgt. David Jiusto said. Abbey locked himself in a bedroom where his 8-year-old son was sleeping.

Concerned that Abbey might harm the child, police called his telephone and used a bull horn to communicate with him. They received no response.

Officers in riot gear surrounded the house and locked down a nearby elementary school.

"He wasn't even aware we were out here," Jiusto said.

The boy was unharmed and turned over to family members. Abbey was charged with second-degree harassment and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2005/03/31/sleeping_man_keeps_cops_at_bay_for_hours/