Police: ‘Armed, dangerous’ man arrested after barricading himself in Jeffersonville motel

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (WAVE) - Jeffersonville Police said a Louisville man has been arrested after reportedly barricading himself inside a motel on Thursday morning.

The incident took place at Holiday Motel on East 10th Street, according to the Jeffersonville Police Department.

Police said an initial warrant was issued by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force at the location for 34-year-old James McGuffin.

McGuffin was listed as “armed and dangerous” inside a room at the motel, and police said he took “hostile and aggressive action communicating threats of violence.”

Jeffersonville Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team, SWAT Team and QRT Team all responded to the scene.

With their phones out, focusing on the hotel room, people watched the standoff unfold.

“You don’t ever see this over here. I mean you don’t. You see it in Louisville a lot, but not over here,” Jeffersonville resident Tommy Cardwell said. “My wife seen it on the neighborhood Facebook page, and they was telling everybody to stay in. Then I heard the helicopters. But we kind of thought it was over. We came over here just to go to the dollar store, and saw all the commotion and stuff.”

As a precaution, Northaven School nearby was contacted by police to ensure the safety and security of the school’s campus.

“I seen the cops and their tactical gear, I was like, oh this is like a movie sort of, but it is real life,” Jeffersonville resident Chris Plowman said. “It’s real people you know, so you are worried about shots or anything too, you know worried about other people.”

WAVE News reporter Kennedy Hayes said police had their guns drawn at one of the rooms with a few loud bangs coming from the room.

Police said McGuffin was physically taken into custody after “safe and controlled tactical intervention methods were utilized.”

“It’s pretty crazy that something like this is going on right next to our home,” parent Kathy Henderson said.

McGuffin was then taken to Clark Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Following treatment, McGuffin will be booked in Clark County Jail and face additional charges.

The scene was confirmed safe and no longer active.

“Jeffersonville Police Department would like to thank the U.S. Marshals consisting of local and state law enforcement, Indiana State Police, and Clark County Emergency Management for their assistance,” Jeffersonville Police Det. Lt. Sam Moss said. “Additionally, the Clarksville Police Department, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and ISP for assisting within the city limits of Jeffersonville.”

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