On Sunday, March 19th, there was a police and SWAT standoff that occurred on East Carolina Avenue in Fruita Colorado. It was believed that the suspect was hiding from police in a nearby home resulting in a three hour-long police standoff.
Local resident Brooklyn Reuwsaat stated, “I just remember getting a text from my neighbor saying we were in a shelter in place. I saw some police cars pass my apartment, but I wasn’t sure what was going on.”
The police and SWAT responded to a 911 call of reports that the suspect was threatening others with a firearm. The police advised nearby neighbors to shelter in place while the standoff took place. The suspect secured himself inside a house that was surrounded by police and SWAT until the suspect was arrested.
According to WesternSlopeNow, “ 36-year old Clinton Haddon was arrested after a standoff that lasted a few hours. Officers booked him in the Mesa County Detention Facility and charged him with 6 counts of felony menacing, posseicon of a weapon by a pervious offender, prohibited use of a weapon, child abuse, and reckless endangerment.”
In this event, tear gas was used to provoke the surrender of the suspect. Local TJ Maxx worker Ilish Karriker had an encounter with the victim whose house was being occupied by the suspect, and the house was damaged due to tear gas.Tear gas is commonly used at intense riots, mobs and in this case to flush out armed suspects. Tear gas is considered to be chemical warfare and can later cause health effects on humans. The gas can seep into materials in homes and the residue can last up to months if it’s not cleaned properly. Tear gas was released into the building and caused damage to furniture and clothing in the house. Karriker remembers the victim saying her house along with her clothing is destroyed and there are court dates scheduled to determine who will pay for the damages.

It is frightening when a fearful event like this occurs so close to home, but we can rest easy knowing the suspect is in police custody. Although no one was injured in the standoff , there is still a long road to recovery for the victim and the victim’s home.Be sure to lock up your doors and windows.