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Man Threatens to Shoot Others, Barricades Himself in Home

By Jessie Williams

A potentially deadly situation was diffused by law enforcement last Friday evening after three hours of negotiations with an armed man who had barricaded himself in his home. 

 

According to Macon County Sheriff Mark Gammons, his office received a call about a man at 778 Fox Run Lane, in Lafayette, who was highly upset and threatening to shoot everyone around him.

The man’s step-daughter, her child, and a male subject were inside the home but managed to flee and call 911. 

The victims told authorities that the man, identified as 40-year-old Joseph Craig, was armed.

When officers arrived, Mr. Craig had barricaded himself inside the home. 

The Macon County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by officers from the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Lafayette Police Department in negotiating with Craig for approximately three hours.

During that time, the Wilson County SWAT team was also contacted. While waiting for their arrival, Criag did exit the home without issue. 

A search of the home was conducted, and a rifle was discovered by police. 

Craig was charged with three counts aggravated assault. He is scheduled to appear in general sessions court on June 10, 2020. 

“I would like to thank all of the agencies involved in helping us in this matter,” said Sheriff Gammons.