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Man took his mother and children hostage prompting early morning standoff

Bradley County patrol car leaves the property where a hostage situation occurred in the 900 block of Weatherly Switch Trail Southwest on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 in Bradley County, Tenn. During the incident Tyler Keller was holding his mother hostage with a knife. The incident lasted about two hours in total. While Keller was occupied, Bradley County Sheriff's deputies were able to disarm and take Keller into custody. Keller's mom and two children were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Bradley County patrol car leaves the property where a hostage situation occurred in the 900 block of Weatherly Switch Trail Southwest on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 in Bradley County, Tenn. During the incident Tyler Keller was holding his mother hostage with a knife. The incident lasted about two hours in total. While Keller was occupied, Bradley County Sheriff's deputies were able to disarm and take Keller into custody. Keller's mom and two children were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

By Staff Report 2 min read

A standoff between police and an armed man who barricaded himself inside a home ended without serious injury within a few short hours Monday morning.

Police first responded to the home shortly after 9 a.m. on a report of a domestic disorder, according to Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson. Upon arrival, authorities found the suspect, Tyler Keller, had barricaded himself in the bathroom with a knife to his mother’s throat.

photo Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson speaks with the press following a hostage situation in the 900 block of Weatherly Switch Trail Southwest on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 in Bradley County, Tenn. During the incident Tyler Keller was holding his mother hostage with a knife. The incident lasted about two hours in total. While Keller was occupied, Bradley County Sheriffs deputies were able to disarm and take Keller into custody. Keller’s mom and two children were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Watson said negotiators worked with Keller for over an hour, but wound up rushing through the door while he was busy using the restroom and the knife was out of his hand.

The mother sustained minor injuries to her face, abdomen and leg and was taken to a local hospital for further examination along with two children found in the home. One of the children had injuries to the face that police said appeared to indicate the child had been beaten.

photo Bradley County Sheriff’s deputies wrap up following a hostage situation in the 900 block of Weatherly Switch Trail Southwest on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 in Bradley County, Tenn. During the incident Tyler Keller was holding his mother hostage with a knife. The incident lasted about two hours in total. While Keller was occupied, Bradley County Sheriff’s deputies were able to disarm and take Keller into custody. Keller’s mom and two children were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Watson said Keller is known to authorities and is a mental health consumer. He will face at least one count of aggravated assault, among other charges.