Dad of teen killed over scrap metal has been arrested after SWAT standoff in Walker County

Saturday, December 21, 2013

photo A Walker County Sheriff's car is parked blocking Walker Hollow Road after a standoff between police and Bobby McConathy that began around 2:30 a.m.
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Standoff

Standoff

The father of 17-year-old Dalton McConathy, who was killed last month while allegedly picking up scrap metal in Ringgold, Ga., was in a standoff with Walker County SWAT officers early this morning, according to the Walker County Sheriff's Office.

Around 2:20 a.m., Walker County dispatchers reportedly received a domestic dispute call from McConathy's Walker Hollow Road home.

Police initially believed McConathy was armed and intoxicated.

Officers arrived at McConathy's home a little after 2 a.m. but reportedly could not immediately reach McConathy.

McConathy's wife and three others were able to escape the residence. McConathy's adult daughter was detained but eventually was allowed to leave.

After an eight hour standoff outside the home, McConathy was taken into custody around 10 a.m. and transported to Walker County Jail.

He was charged with five counts of reckless endangerment, five counts of simple battery, as well as false imprisonment and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Police reportedly used smoke and gas grenades to get McConathy out of his home so he could be arrested. Walker County special ops groups were involved in the standoff.

Neighbors reported hearing gunshots, but sheriff's officials say it was likely the sound of authorities firing grenades into McConathy's home.

Media were not allowed to get within a certain distance of the home, which lies in a remote area. McConathy was reportedly unarmed when police arrested him.

Stay with the Times Free Press for updates.

News report of 17-year-old Dalton McConathy's death in November: