Man holds deputies at bay in Wilson County

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Tags:

wilson county, local/state

WILSON COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Sheriff's deputies say a man barricaded inside a home just west of Wilson surrendered early Thursday.

Eric Radke, 46, was allegedly holed up with a gun in the 5200 block of Bloomery Road.

Family members tell ABC11 that the situation began around 6 p.m. Wednesday evening when deputies attempted to serve a warrant and arrest Radke to take him into forced rehab.

"When he gets drunk, he goes crazy. And, we've been trying to get him help so he can get help in rehab. And I guess, they didn't tell him that's what they were there for," explained Radke's daughter Kelley.

The standoff ended peacefully when deputies used tear gas to drive Radke from the home. He came out and surrendered himself. He was taken to a hospital where his condition was to be evaluated.

Meanwhile, charges were pending.

Authorities said he never actually shot at officers, although he did fire once into the air when officers first arrived. He also allegedly made threats to shoot anyone who came inside - threats that were repeated on Facebook posts he made.

No injuries were reported.

Records show Radke was released from the Lenoir County Jail 10 days ago. He was charged there with DWI, reckless driving, driving while license revoked, and unsealed liquor in the car.

Radke's next court date for his Lenoir County troubles was scheduled for February 20.