Police arrest man after brief standoff

KELLOGG — A standoff between a local man and multiple Shoshone County law enforcement agencies ended with the man being taken into police custody late Friday night.

Just before 11 p.m., Kellogg Police responded to a call on west Riverside Avenue after receiving reports of an intoxicated and armed man making threats outside a residence, as well as being in violation of a protection order. 

Upon arrival, KPD Officer William Eddy witnessed Tyler R. Harris, 35, standing outside a home he previously shared with his girlfriend.

According to the probable cause affidavit, because Harris was reported to be armed, Eddy immediately drew his firearm and gave Harris commands to show his hands. 

Harris allegedly responded to these commands by repeatedly asking Eddy to shoot him. During this interaction, officers from the Osburn Police Department and the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the residence to assist. 

Harris told the officers he had a pistol in his waistband and a rifle in his backpack and was going to fire on them. Harris then decided to open his backpack, where he brandished a knife and proceeded to charge at a pair of officers. The officers deployed their tasers but were unsuccessful due to the heavy winter clothing Harris was wearing. After a brief scuffle, the officers were able to safely get Harris on the ground, where he reportedly continued to resist arrest and reach for his waistband until Eddy threatened to use a lateral vascular neck restraint, which would render him unconscious. At this point, Harris complied. 

A search of Harris and his backpack yielded no other weapons than the knife he attempted to use. 

According to the the police affidavit, Harris arrived at the residence and began screaming outside, pounding on the front door and claiming he had a gun. The victim, Harris’ former girlfriend, was inside the home with her two children and a friend, who corroborated her story. 

Harris was served Jan. 17 with a no-contact protection order that required Harris to move from the west Riverside home, and maintain 1,500 feet of distance between himself and the alleged victim. Law enforcement was also told to seize all firearms in the residence, due to alleged threats made by Harris. 

During the scuffle, one officer received a knee injury.

“The officers on scene did an excellent job,” Chief Paul Twidt said. “It showed how well all the county agencies work together. The situation could have been much worse, but due to the training and being able to work together as one team made a huge difference. Overall, the outcome was the best it could have been with the exception of one officer being injured.” 

Harris had his first appearance in court Monday. He was charged with two counts of felony aggravated assault, resisting arrest and violating a civil protection order.

Magistrate Judge Keisha Oxendine set Harris’ bail at $100,000 — his next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 1.