Armed and Barricaded Invader Surrenders

Courtesy of Vidalia Police Department

The Vidalia Police Department and Toombs County Sheriff’s Office worked in unison on Saturday to detain a suspect, who barricaded himself within a home during a home invasion to avoid apprehension.

On July 22, at approximately 6:52 p.m., the Vidalia Police Department responded to reports of a male subject, later identified as Antonio Devon Knowles, 43, of Vidalia, armed with a machete that made forceful entry into an occupied residence, located at 703 West Street. The female home occupant exited the residence without harm, and Vidalia patrol officers set up a perimeter around the home, maintaining communication with Knowles.

The Vidalia Investigative Services Division, which includes a crisis negotiator, arrived on-scene and continued to negotiate with the subject. At approximately 8:05 p.m., the crisis negotiator and a Toombs County Sheriff’s Office deputy were able to persuade Knowles to surrender without further incident.

Knowles was taken to Memorial Health Meadows Hospital for medical evaluations, and then was turned over to the Toombs County Detention Center upon release from medical care. He faces charges of Home Invasion in the 2nd Degree and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Crime.

The Vidalia Police Department extends gratitude to the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.