Hatchet-Wielding Man Arrested After Motel Standoff in Durango
UPDATE: A man has been arrested for felony menacing after a shocking incident at the Durango Lodge on Saturday night. The standoff began when police received a report around 6 p.m. of a man wielding a hatchet and threatening a woman in a motel hallway.
According to Tom Sluis, a spokesman for the Durango Police Department, the suspect was seen swinging the hatchet and making violent threats, claiming he would “kill her next time.” The woman, who did not know the man, feared for her safety as he escalated his aggression.
When officers arrived on the scene, the suspect answered the door of his motel room while still holding the hatchet. He threatened police with the weapon, then quickly slammed the door and locked himself inside. Due to the dangerous situation involving a weapon, the SWAT team was called in, escalating the response.
After several tense hours, the man finally exited his hotel room and surrendered peacefully. Remarkably, no force was used to take him into custody, and authorities confirmed that his identity has not yet been released.
Inside the room, police discovered extensive damage, with everything having been smashed by the suspect using the hatchet. “The only damage to the hotel was done by him,” Sluis stated, underscoring the chaotic nature of the incident.
The suspect faces serious charges, as threatening a woman and officers with a weapon elevates the severity of the crime. While menacing is typically classified as a class one misdemeanor, it escalates to a class five felony when committed with a firearm, knife, or bludgeon, as defined by law.
This incident not only highlights the risks faced by individuals in public spaces but also raises concerns about safety in local communities. As the investigation continues, the Durango Police Department urges anyone with additional information to come forward.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story. The community remains on alert as authorities work to ensure safety and justice in the wake of this alarming event.
