Man Dead After Standoff In Chartiers Township
CHARTIERS TOWNSHIP (KDKA) - A standoff in Washington County lasted for 12 hours and the ending was not what police were hoping for.
"As long as there's dialogue, there's always hope," said Detective Lt. Rick Sethman of the Pennsylvania State police.
However, hope ran out for Joel Cook inside his McClane Farm Road home in Chartiers Township Friday morning.
The 47-year-old man - depressed and unemployed - began arguing with his wife after Thanksgiving dinner around 11:15 p.m. Thursday. He threatened to get a weapon.
Cook's wife and son both escaped from the house safely, but the standoff had begun.
In the early morning hours, Chartiers Township Police called in the State Police Special Emergency Response Team and an armored vehicle.
Negotiations began with Cook by phone at 4:30 a.m. with police playing tape recorded messages from his family pleading with him to give up.
"That dialogue lasted for approximately two-and-a-half hours on and off," Sethman said.
At 10:30 a.m. the talking stopped and all attempts at communication failed.
Using flash-bang grenades as a diversion tactic, State Police went in.
"Approximately 11:20 this morning, 13 members entered the house and found the subject deceased," Sethman said.
Chartiers Township Police and the Washington County Coroner are still investigating.
Stay with KDKA for the latest details.
