Oconee County deputies got more than they bargained for when they received a domestic disturbance call Thursday night that turned into an eight-hour standoff.
According to Captain Travis C. Tilson of the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, officers were called to the home of 44-year-old James Pyles just before 8 p.m. after his wife called 911. The wife said her husband was being extremely violent, even to the point of firing shots off inside their home.
Pyles’ wife was gone when authorities arrived on the scene. After a failed attempt at making contact with the suspect, he began to fire shots at police as they tried to secure the perimeter. The Sheriff’s Office’s SWAT team was then called to the scene.
Pyles finally surrendered and exited his home at 4:30 a.m. Deputies said no one was injured. Pyles was then taken into custody.
“We are proud of their professionalism and dedication to their jobs. Good, sound judgment from all Sheriff’s Office personnel resulted in tonight’s volatile situation ending without anyone being hurt,” said Chief Deputy Terry Wilson.
Pyles now faces charges of domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature. More charges could be filed later.
South Carolina Radio Network’s Tripp Girardeau contributed to this report.
