Hamilton SWAT called out in standoff

Saturday, April 2, 2011

A local man fired a pistol outside his home, leading to an hours-long standoff with the Hamilton County SWAT team Saturday afternoon.

Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Janice Atkinson said neighbors told authorities Michael Sweeney was drinking and upset about a breakup with his girlfriend. He fired shots out of his 5523 Barnes Road home around 4 p.m.

When officers responded, Sweeney's friends said they had taken two weapons from his house, but Sweeney then went inside and retrieved a third gun. The man refused to talk with deputies, so SWAT was called.

After several hours Sweeney surrendered without injuring anyone. He faces charges of reckless endangerment, Atkinson said.