An Ooltewah man who was barricaded at a Dalton carpet plant for several hours on Tuesday night finally surrendered without incident.
Police said 45-year-old Brent Pickard agreed to leave the building after negotiation with Dalton officers. He was transported to Hamilton Medical Center to be evaluated for his own safety.
Shortly after 5:30 p.m., Pickard reportedly had an argument with his wife in the parking lot of the Elgiere manufacturing facility at 1029 South Hamilton St., where they both work. Pickard, who investigators say was intoxicated, became agitated and went into the building. Investigators say his wife reported that he had a gun. It is not clear who called 911, but police were dispatched to the location with a report that a man was in the building with a gun.
Dalton Police officers formed a perimeter around the building and were able to determine that all the employees who had been inside the business were outside and accounted for. There was never a hostage situation inside the building.
Contact was made with Pickard by phone within the first hour. He initially refused to come out to speak with investigators. After meeting with his attorney and Dalton detectives inside, he agreed to leave and be transported by ambulance to Hamilton Medical Center shortly at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Pickard was armed with at least one firearm but information about the type is not available. At this time, no charges have been filed against Pickard. The incident is still being investigated and charges may be filed at a later date.