Police: Richland man threatens to kill children, arrested after standoff

A 66-year-old man who allegedly threatened to kill children and police was arrested early Wednesday after a standoff in a Richland neighborhood.

Members of the Tri-City Regional SWAT Team arrested Robert W. Wegner after firing flash-bang grenades and releasing tear gas-like chemicals into his home on the 1300 block of Potter Avenue.

The arrest came after Wegner barricaded himself inside for hours, refusing to talk to police or surrender.

Police say Wegner threatened to shoot three neighborhood children, ranging in age from 12 to 14, about 4 p.m. Tuesday.

There have been ongoing disputes in the neighborhood involving Wegner and others.

When Richland police officers arrived at his home, Wegner apparently threatened to kill them, police said.

“(The officers) could hear him barricading himself inside the house,” said Capt. Mike Cobb, police spokesman.

Police surrounded the home and tried to get Wegner to surrender.

The Tri-City Regional SWAT Team was eventually called to help evacuate some neighbors.

Family members told police that Wegner has mental health issues and may have access to guns, Cobb said. His family had recently taken guns from the home and police seized a pistol from Wegner during an arrest about two weeks ago.

SWAT team members began firing the flash-bang grenades and using chemicals around midnight to get Wegner out of the house, Cobb said. After Wegner refused, part of the SWAT team went inside.

Police found Wegner in the master bedroom, Cobb said. A police dog and a stun gun were used to arrest Wegner, who apparently resisted.

Wegner was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland to be treated for injuries from the dog bites, Cobb said. The injuries were not serious.

Police are working to search his home.

Wegner was booked into the Benton County jail on suspicion of felony harassment and making death threats.

This story was originally published January 27, 2016 at 11:41 AM with the headline "Police: Richland man threatens to kill children, arrested after standoff."