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WEST LIBERTY - West Liberty, Ohio County and Wheeling law enforcement agencies all were called to an all-night stand-off in the town of West Liberty early Friday morning.
The incident resulted in some gun shots being fired at law enforcement while children were inside the home. The gunman eventually surrendered, and there were no injuries, according to Ohio County Sheriff Nelson Croft.
Ryan Joseph Benfield, 40, has been charged with wanton endangerment involving a firearm, child neglect creating risk of injury, and assault on a law enforcement officer, Croft said. Benfield is presently awaiting arraignment in Ohio County Magistrate Court, and is lodged in the Northern Regional Jail.
At about 11:30 p.m. Thursday, West Liberty Police received a call of a male brandishing a firearm at an off-campus apartment complex, Croft said.
West Liberty Police Chief Tristan Painter arrived on scene where he met Benfield outside, who was armed with a semi-automatic rifle. He pointed the weapon at Painter, who was able to find cover and call for backup, Croft continued.
Members of the Ohio County Sheriff's Department and WLPD responded, and by this time Benfield had retreated into his apartment with his wife and two children.
"At that point, it was considered a barricaded standoff," Croft said. "Ohio County Sheriff's Department Special Response Team was activated, along with the Wheeling Police Department SWAT team. A negotiator and drone came with the SWAT team.
"At some time during the night, Benfield fired an undetermined number of rounds at an off-campus West Liberty Police officer who was keeping perimeter in the rear of the apartment."
Benfield allowed his wife to leave the residence, but kept his two children inside, Croft reported.
"Then, at about 7 a.m., he surrendered, and the children were unharmed," he continued. "He was taken into custody without incident."
Croft said the OCSO will continue to investigate, and additional charges may be pending.
He commended the law enforcement agencies that responded and noted they all "did an excellent job."
Throughout the night, law enforcement remained in contact with Ohio County Prosecutor Shawn Turak.
"I spoke with her a few minutes ago, and she echoes my sentiments," Croft said. "It was more than a job well done. It was excellent. Nobody got injured, and we were glad of the outcome."