Watch CBS News

Police: Man Sent Threatening Texts To Female Victim, Barricaded Himself In Home For Hours

Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter

AMWELL TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) -- Police say what started as an argument over a break-up ended with a man barricading himself in his Washington County home for hours on Monday.

The incident started just before 6 a.m.

amwell township standoff
(Photo Credit: NewsChopper 2/KDKA)

State police say the girlfriend of 34-year-old David Spruill, of Amity, Pa., called 911 after the two got into an argument over a break-up.

Spruill was allegedly sending threatening text and photo messages to the woman.

"We received a complaint from a female in regards to a domestic-type incident possibly involving a firearm," State Police Corporal Thomas Carter said.

The woman escaped before troopers arrived, but Spruill reportedly barricaded himself inside his home on Amity Ridge Road in Amwell Township with a weapon.

"We responded to the scene, attempted to make contact with that individual. He was also making threats via cell phone. We attempted to make contact with him with our patrol members. He did not come to the door or acknowledge that we were there," Carter said.

Pennsylvania State Police say they made several attempts to contact Spruill, but he did not respond.

david spruill
David Spruill (Photo Credit: Washington County Jail)

Troopers and a Special Emergency Reponse Team surrounded Spruill's home for several hours. Neighbors were evacuated.

Spruill eventually surrendered peacefully around 1:45 p.m. He was taken into custody and is facing charges of simple assault and terroristic threats.

No one was injured.

State police would not comment about the semi-automatic rifle they were seen carrying away from the home.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.