By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

WESTOVER—A more than four hour domestic violence incident that closed a road in Westover came to peaceful conclusion after the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negotiation and Tactical units diffused a potentially volatile situation inside a residence on March 17.

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office deputies received a report of domestic violence at a home in the 10000 block of Shelby County 55 in the Westover/Sterrett community at 3:05 p.m.

Upon arriving at the residence, occupant Kevin Lee Pace, 44, of Westover, reported he had a firearm and refused to leave the residence. Also inside the residence was Pace’s elderly father.

“Mr. Pace told us that he had a weapon and he was refusing to come out of the house. We also knew his father, his invalid father, was in the house,” SCSO Deputy Debbie Sumrall said. “This is a situation that could be very dangerous.”

The SCSO closed down Shelby County 55 from U.S. 280 to Shelby County 51 at 4:21 p.m. in the interest of public safety and the safety of responding personnel.

“We want to make sure everyone around the area remained safe,” Sumrall said.

The SCSO Crisis Negotiation arrived on the scene and successfully made contact with Pace. After a “lengthy discussion” with SCSO negotiators, Pace agreed to exit the home unarmed.

“Our Crisis Negotiation Unit (establishes) a rapport with the individual they’re speaking with, they try to get that individual to make a decision to end (the conflict) peacefully,” Sumrall said.

During the negotiation process, the SCSO Tactical Team used two flash-bangs, resulting in two audible explosion sounds. Flash-bangs are used as a distraction device, Sumrall explained.

“They’re a loud noise…(and) a very white light,” Sumrall said. “You deploy those in a safe manner, our tactical unit is trained in deploying those at a safe distance.”

Pace peacefully surrendered to police custody and the scene was secured at 7:47 p.m., more than four hours after the initial call. The incident ended without injury.

“(Pace) went peacefully,” Sumrall said. “(This outcome) is the best success for that situation.”

Regional Transportation Services transported Pace to a local hospital where he was admitted under involuntary commitment. He is being evaluated by doctors and a hearing to determine next steps is scheduled for March 22, Sumrall said.

The SCSO said potential criminal charges will be released later.