Overnight police stand-off in Winder ends peacefully

An overnight stand-off with Winder Police and the Barrow County SWAT team ended peacefully early Saturday morning.

It began Friday night about 10:00 when police and sheriff’s deputies responded to a domestic dispute on Alberta Lane in the Calgary Downs subdivision in Winder.

WINDER POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS RELEASE:

“Patrick Ramon Cole, age 50, had a dispute with his wife that escalated. Cole attempted to prevent her from using her phone to call for help. When police were notified and enroute, Cole went into his residence indicating verbally he would not go peacefully if the police came.

Officers arrived and Cole refused to come out of the residence or have any contact with the officers.

Due to weapons known to be located inside with Cole and the statements he made; Winder PD requested the assistance of the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team.

Warrants were issued for Cole and a search warrant was obtained for the residence.

Cole remained barricaded inside the residence for the next 7 hours, periodically appearing in sight of the officers with a pistol in his hands and shouting for the offices to leave.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. on Saturday morning June 8, 2024, Cole surrendered to Barrow County SWAT team members. Cole was arrested and transported to the Barrow County Detention Center.

Police Chief Jim Fullington said, “I would like to express my appreciation to the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and other deputies for their response and committed and determined efforts throughout the night to help bring this dangerous incident to the best possible conclusion for all persons to be safe.”

Cole is charged with Aggravated Assault on a law enforcement officer, Felony Obstruction of a law enforcement officer, Simple Battery Family Violence, Simple Assault Family Violence, and Criminal Damage to property in the 2nd degree.”