UPDATED: Wednesday, June 20, 2012 --- 11:50 a.m.
From the Dane County Sheriff's Office:
Madison, WI. June 20, 2012 – Dane County Sheriff’s deputies took Robert J. Simons, age 44 of Sun Prairie, into custody at approximately 7:45 am, after a brief stand-off in the town of Sun Prairie.
The incident began at approximately 3:10 am, when a caller reported a suspicious person in a neighborhood just off of CTH TT. Deputies responded and began investigating, when a short time later, another caller to the 911 Center reported a man with a gun on Olin Way. A male victim had run to a neighbor’s house and reported that he and a female had been held hostage at gunpoint by Simons. Both victims escaped the house, but at this point the whereabouts of Simons were unknown.
As Sheriff’s deputies searched for the armed suspect, the Reverse 911 system was utilized to alert residents in the rural subdivision of the potential danger. As deputies were searching the residence where the incident occurred, they determined the suspect was back inside the house. Because he was known to be armed, a perimeter was established and Sheriff’s Office negotiators began attempts to make phone contact with Simons. Once they made contact with Simons, negotiators successfully convinced him to surrender peacefully. The Sheriff’s Office Tactical Response Team and the Bomb Squad also responded to the incident.
Residents in the area were again informed via a Reverse 911 that they were no longer in danger, and CTH TT, along with Olin Way were re-opened to traffic. Simons will be booked in to the Dane County Jail.
This incident highlights the issue of domestic violence in our community and the extreme dangers that can arise for both victims and law enforcement. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, the Sheriff’s Office provides a link to some local resources, along with some safety suggestions on our website, at www.danesheriff.com, then click on Resources.
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POSTED: Wednesday, June 20, 2012 --- 8:15 a.m.
From NBC 15's Tim Elliott:
A 44-year-old Sun Prairie man is in custody after a standoff lasting several hours this morning.
Dane County Deputies say the man came to his ex-wife's house, off County Highway TT, in the Town of Sun Prairie, and held her and her boyfriend at gunpoint.
The two were able to escape and call 911 from a neighbor's house.
The man stayed in his ex-wife's house with the gun, and crews, including a hostage negotiator were called to the scene. Officials were concerned the man would harm himself.
The situation ended peacefully just before 8 a.m. this morning. The man was taken into custody. No one was hurt in the incident.
County Highway TT was closed to traffic during the incident, and is now open again.