[UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: Shots Reported] Armed Standoff Underway in Stafford; Residents Asked to Shelter in Place

Stock Photo–The SWAT team grouped behind the BearCat at a 2021 incident. [Photo by Mark McKenna]

According to scanner traffic, deputies responded after a caller reported that a man allegedly threatened a woman with a handgun as she was attempting to move out of a residence. Dispatch traffic further indicated the man was believed to be prohibited from possessing firearms.

As of shortly before 1 p.m., deputies had established a perimeter around the residence and were conducting a “call out” in an effort to get the occupant to exit peacefully. Scanner traffic indicated the Humboldt County Sheriff’s BearCat Ballistic Engineered Armored Response vehicle was responding to the scene, and officers were discussing the possible deployment of a SWAT team if necessary.

Two Redheaded Blackbelt readers also reported receiving emergency notifications from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office advising of a law enforcement presence in the Stafford area. One reader said nearby residents had been instructed to shelter in place.

Sound of the Alert sent out to residents.

Authorities have not yet released official details about the incident. Because the information available at this stage comes primarily from scanner traffic and reader reports, many details remain unconfirmed.

Redheaded Blackbelt has reached out to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office for additional information and will update this story as more details become available.

UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: A resident nearby said she heard shots right now-possibly seven. In addition, they are bringing drones to the area and have posted a reel on Facebook stating, “Active Felony Barricaded suspect 400 Block of North Road, Stafford* Those in the area please shelter in place. HCSO is asking all persons to avoid the area at this time. Roadways in the immediate vicinity are closed…Sheriff’s Office on scene in the 400 block of North Road investigating an armed violent felony suspect inside a residence. Suspect is Kenneth Pullen, 41 years old.”

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