1000 x 90

Eleven Hour Standoff Ensues on Keystone Drive

May 23, 2012. On May 22, 2012, shortly after 7:00 p.m., the Boone Police Department Patrol division responded to a domestic assault at 366 Keystone Drive. The female victim, who sustained minor injuries that did not require medical treatment, and another female in the residence were able to leave the residence and meet with officers. The suspect, John Richard Roberts, 56, refused to come out of the residence and was allegedly in possession of several weapons. 

The Boone Police Department Special Operations Team. also responded to the scene and a standoff ensued for approximately eleven hours with negotiations ongoing throughout the night. At approximately 6:00 a.m., Mr. Roberts exited the residence and officers took him into custody without incident or injury. Watauga Medics and Boone Police Department officers transported Mr. Roberts to Watauga Medical Center for evaluation. 

Boone Police Department obtained warrants charging Mr. Roberts with assault on a female and assault by pointing a gun. Service of the warrants is pending the completion on the evaluation at Watauga Medical Center. 

The Watauga Sheriff’s Office, State Bureau of Investigation, Appalachian State University Police Department, Lenoir Police Department, Boone Fire Department and Watauga Medics assisted the Boone Police Department with this incident. The Boone Police Department would also like to thank the citizens of the Poplar Hill Drive area for their cooperation during this incident.