Standoff in MP, Aug. 22

A three-hour long standoff between law enforcement officers and a male inside a Myrtle Point home with a rifle ended peacefully Tuesday night, Aug. 21.  According to a news release from Coos Co. District Attorney R. Paul Frasier, 35-year old Joseph Michael Hanks had become “despondent and began drinking during the day” after his wife informed him that “their marriage was at an end and left the house with their children” on the 500 block of Willow St. near the Police Station.  He reportedly fired several shots with a rifle about 6 p.m.  Back up officers were requested and negotiations with Hanks took place over a telephone before he finally surrendered about 9 p.m.  Hanks faces charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person.  He is expected to be formally charged Wednesday, Aug. 22, and appear in Court on Thursday, Aug. 23.