Arrest of suspect with ‘propensity for violence’ causes stir in Meridian
A significant police presence in a Meridian neighborhood Tuesday afternoon caught residents by surprise.
The Meridian/Garden City Special Tactics Group — heavily armed and dressed in Army-like uniforms — was called in to assist in the arrest of a fugitive who at first refused to cooperate with Meridian police and officers from Idaho Probation and Parole, according to a news release from the Meridian Police Department.
The suspect was located at a home on the 3500 block of W. Sugar Creek Drive, off of Cherry Lane. The 43-year-old male fugitive refused to comply with police commands and barricaded himself in the residence, according to Meridian police.
The man served prison time for aggravated battery and eluding police, but was out on parole and was wanted on a parole violation, according to online court records obtained by the Idaho Statesman.
“After numerous attempts to gain compliance and have (the suspect) surrender peacefully, the Meridian/Garden City Special Tactics Group (STG) was activated due to (the suspect’s) criminal history and known propensity for violence,” the release said.
The fugitive was taken into custody without further incident at around 2:30 p.m., Meridian police said.
Online Ada County Jail records showed him booked on suspicion of resisting arrest, with no mention of the parole violation.
The Boise Police Department Special Operations Unit and the Idaho Department of Correction also assisted during the large operation.
