UPDATED — NEW INFORMATION — THURSDAY 3:50 p.m.
According to the complaint warrant sworn out by Jamestown Police Officer Heath Tarter, Beard allegedly struck his wife in the head with the butt of a handgun. The warrant states the two then became involved in a physical altercation as the woman attempted to leave the residence. During the struggle, the handgun discharged, and the bullet reportedly grazed the victim’s left arm.
The victim then drove herself to Russell County Hospital, where she was treated for her injuries and later released. Hospital personnel notified the Jamestown Police Department, initiating the investigation.
During the standoff Wednesday evening, law enforcement officers secured the area and evacuated numerous nearby residents as a precaution while negotiators and members of the Kentucky State Police Special Response Team worked to bring the situation to a peaceful conclusion.
At approximately 9:00 p.m., Beard surrendered without further incident. He was taken into custody on the outstanding warrant and JPD Chief Jeff Kerns said additional charges are likely.
Beard remains incarcerated in the Russell County Detention Center under a $100,000 full cash bond.
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A Jamestown man is in custody after a lengthy standoff with local and state law enforcement officers Wednesday evening.
Authorities told WJRS NEWS that 43-year-old Melvin Beard surrendered to members of the Kentucky State Police Special Response Team at approximately 9:00 p.m., nearly five hours after refusing to allow officers inside his home on Basket Factory Road, just off U.S. Highway 127 South.
Jamestown Police officers, assisted by the Kentucky State Police, had gone to the residence to serve arrest warrants charging Beard with First-Degree Assault and First-Degree Wanton Endangerment. The warrants allege Beard physically assaulted and shot his wife earlier Wednesday morning.
The victim was treated at Russell County Hospital and later released. Authorities say the bullet reportedly grazed her shoulder.
During the standoff, law enforcement secured the area and evacuated numerous nearby residents as a precaution while negotiators and members of the Kentucky State Police Special Response Team worked to bring the situation to a peaceful conclusion.
Jamestown Police Chief Jeff Kerns told WJRS NEWS shortly after the standoff ended that Beard was taken into custody on the outstanding warrants, and Chief Kerns said additional charges are expected.
Beard was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.