Jun 04, 2023

Robot helped make arrest of Kansas man who had a hatchet

Posted Jun 04, 2023 10:00 PM
Griffin-photo Montgomery Co.
Griffin-photo Montgomery Co.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff at a Kansas home.

Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, police asked the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for assistance with a disturbance at 903 E. 3rd Street in Caney, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

Deputies learned 55-year-old Patrick Griffin had made threats to cause harm to other occupants of the residence with a large hatchet. The victims, who were able to exit the residence unharmed prior to law enforcement arrival, stated Griffin had thrown the hatchet at one of them causing them to fear for their safety.

The victim’s advised Griffin was still inside the residence and may also be armed with a handgun. Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and officers with Caney Police Department surrounded the residence and began making announcements to Griffin via their PA, requesting Patrick exit the residence.

Deputies obtained a warrant to search the residence for Griffin. Utilizing drones and robots, deputies were able to visually clear the majority of the first floor, with the exception of two upstairs rooms due the doors being closed.

Deputies eventually made entry and manually cleared the first floor with no signs of the suspect.  Deputies were able to breach both doors to the upstairs rooms and redeploy the robot. Again, no signs of Griffin were observed.

Deputies then entered the rooms and manually cleared them. They located Griffin behind a false wall, hidden behind insulation. He was verbally non-compliant but deputies were able to take him into custody without further incident.

The hatchet was located and seized as evidence. No firearms were located.  Griffin is being held without bond in the Montgomery County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Assault w/ a Deadly Weapon and Felony Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer.