'Not Gonna Force It': South Wichita Standoff Ends as Police Retreat
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Police gathered at a scene in south Wichita due to an ongoing standoff on Thursday night.
Shortly after 6 p.m., law enforcement was sent to the Seneca Place Apartments located in the 2100 block of South Seneca Street, situated between Harry Street and Pawnee Avenue.
Police officers were dispatched to handle a report of an ongoing altercation with multiple men engaged in physical combat. When they arrived at the scene, they observed several people who could potentially be participants. While trying to intervene, one of the males withdrew inside an apartment.
The man subsequently left the apartment carrying a long firearm. Although he didn't aim the weapon at the officers, they sought shelter. He then returned indoors, prompting negotiators to be summoned to the location.
He emerges shouting at the officers, demanding they leave him alone and saying he won't speak to them," stated WPD Lieutenant Lee Eisenbise. "Right away, the officers step back due to concerns about their safety since it isn't typical behavior to exit holding a firearm and scream at law enforcement.
The two individuals who participated in the original scuffle were apprehended and questioned. Authorities stated that the person with weapons inside the residence was not connected to that incident.
Following over an hour of negotiation attempts, law enforcement decided against escalating the circumstances further.
At present, we won't compel the matter and enter that apartment. The person involved hasn't shown any willingness to communicate. There isn't an actual threat directed towards our officers right now. Rather than escalating the situation and potentially worsening matters, we'll step back for now and treat this as a mere suspect case," stated Eisenbise. "Owning a firearm isn't unlawful. But using one to intimidate someone alters the legal landscape.
Police do not believe the man poses a threat to the public.
The area in front of the apartments was blocked off during the standoff but has since reopened.
The investigation is ongoing.
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