Shortly after 10 a.m. on Thursday, Lawrence County dispatch received a 911 call reporting a man with a gun threatening others. The man was allegedly holed up inside his home on Lawrence 1080 outside of Ravenden. Lawrence County deputies were notified and requested the assistance of the Ravenden Police Department.
The medical unit from Pro med ambulance was placed on standby. Units from Lawrence County and Ravenden were also joined by Arkansas State Police.
The residence was surrounded by law enforcement and negotiations began including the safe removal of several occupants inside the residence with the suspect. Once the occupants were removed from the house negotiations with the suspect continued.
The suspect was identified as Ryan Martins. Martins has an extensive violent record including multiple battery charges from Izard, Lawrence and Randolph counties.
Negotiations between Martins and the sheriff’s department lasted over two hours. At 12:26 p.m. the suspect was taken into custody without incident. Ryan Martins was taken to the Lawrence County Jail where he will face numerous charges.
For more information on the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office visit www.lawrencecountysheriffsoffice.com.