SWAT Negotiators End Hours-Long Standoff In Garner

GAR­NER — A Garner man is facing multiple charges after police say he struck a woman with his vehicle and later barricaded himself inside a home during a domestic incident Sunday afternoon.

The Garner Police Department said officers were called to the area of Alta Crest Lane around 3 p.m. in response to a reported domestic violence situation.

When officers arrived, police said they witnessed 32-year-old Nathan Lorne Tharp drive his vehicle into a woman, knocking her to the ground. As officers attempted to move the woman to safety, Tharp allegedly tried again to strike her with the vehicle again.

Officers fired their service weapons at the vehicle in an attempt to stop the assault. Tharp was not injured.

Police said Tharp then drove the vehicle into a nearby residence, causing extensive damage, before fleeing on foot. Police said he forcibly entered a home and barricaded himself inside. Officers assisted the occupants in safely escaping the home without injury.

A tactical response was initiated, including SWAT officers and crisis negotiators. Negotiations continued for several hours before Tharp agreed to exit the residence. He was taken into custody without further incident and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The woman involved in the incident was also taken to the hospital and was treated and released Sunday night.

Tharp has been charged with assault on a law enforcement officer; assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury; assault with a deadly weapon; assault on a female; misdemeanor domestic violence; felony breaking and entering; and felony damage to property.

Garner Police thanked several agencies for their assistance, including the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Raleigh, Cary, Holly Springs, and Morrisville Police departments, as well as Garner Fire-Rescue, Garner Public Works, and Wake County EMS.