Armed Barricade Ends With Suspect in Custody After Shelter-in-Place Order in Stafford

Kenneth Lane Sylvies-
Pullen

An armed barricade in the Stafford area ended Sunday afternoon after the suspect surrendered to law enforcement following several hours of negotiations, according to reports over official emergency channels. Law enforcement will be opening North Road up shortly.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office had earlier issued an emergency advisory identifying an active felony barricaded suspect in the 400 block of North Road and urging residents in the area to shelter in place.

The Sheriff’s Office said deputies were investigating “an armed violent felony suspect inside a residence” and publicly identified the suspect as 41-year-old Kenneth Pullen.

According to scanner traffic, deputies established a perimeter around the residence, deployed an armored BearCat vehicle, and conducted a call-out in an effort to persuade the suspect to exit peacefully. SWAT resources were also discussed during the incident.

Scanner traffic indicates the suspect was taken into custody this afternoon without further incident. Deputies were then heard clearing the residence to ensure no additional threats remained. The Sheriff’s Office has not yet released an official statement confirming the arrest or the circumstances leading up to the barricade.

The address where Sunday’s barricade occurred is the same location that was the subject of a Humboldt County Drug Task Force search warrant in April 2021.

According to a Drug Task Force press release issued at the time, agents served a warrant at the residence in the 400 block of North Road after investigating Kenneth Lane Sylvies-Pullen for suspected fentanyl sales. Authorities reported seizing approximately two ounces of fentanyl, one-half ounce of heroin, one-half ounce of methamphetamine, along with a digital scale containing fentanyl residue and packaging materials.

The Drug Task Force said Sylvies-Pullen and another individual were arrested on suspicion of possession of controlled substances for sale, possession of methamphetamine for sale and operating or maintaining a drug house.

This is a developing story. Redheaded Blackbelt has requested additional information from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office regarding Sunday’s incident, including the circumstances leading to the barricade and any charges that may result. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

Earlier: Armed Standoff Underway in Stafford; Residents Asked to Shelter in Place