Chattanooga Police Department SWAT officers arrested an armed gunman after a multi-hour standoff Friday night at 1615 W. 40th St.
The call came in around 9:30 p.m. when a female caller advised that her husband was drunk and causing a domestic disturbance. As patrol officers arrived on the scene they were met by the female caller exiting the residence. She told them what had happened and that her husband was still inside the house and that he was armed.
She was immediately taken to a secure area and the officers then cautiously approached the house. As they did so the male suspect stepped to the front door with a handgun in his waistband and challenged the officers.
They retreated to a secure area and called for additional units. Due to his being armed and officers being advised, by the female victim that her husband had multiple firearms inside the house, the decision was made to bring in the SWAT Team.
During the course of the standoff, several shots were fired inside the residence by the suspect. Members of the Chattanooga Police Department’s Hostage Negotiation Team were on hand as well and attempted to establish a line of communication with the suspect, but were unsuccessful in their attempts.
Finally, after several intense hours of the suspect coming out on the porch with a rifle and then retreating back inside the residence, he contacted a family friend by cell phone who was at the command post. Negotiators were able to speak with the suspect at that time and he made the decision to come out and surrender to authorities.
The suspect did have to be tazed but was then taken into custody without further incident or injury to anyone involved. He was then taken to Erlanger Hospital to be checked out and also for a mental evaluation.
The suspect, 46-year-old William A. Hickman Jr., faces numerous charges including assault, disorderly conduct and felonious reckless endangerment.
His wife, 42-year-old Tammy Hickman, was checked out by paramedics at the scene, but she did not require further medical treatment.
Alcohol was a key factor in the case, police said.