WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — An armed man was taken into custody early Saturday morning following an incident at a DeFuniak Springs hotel, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office announced.
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According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), deputies responded around 1 a.m. to the Red Roof Inn after receiving reports of an individual experiencing a mental health crisis.
When deputies arrived, investigators said they discovered Patrick Thomas Newsome, 55, alone inside a hotel room and reportedly armed with a 9mm handgun.
Deputies said Mr Newsome did not make direct threats toward law enforcement or others but reportedly made statements indicating he intended to harm himself.
During attempts to establish contact, deputies said Newsome fired three to four rounds randomly inside the hotel room.
Throughout the incident, Mr Newsome repeatedly contacted dispatch and spoke with the lead communications officer, who is also a member of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negotiations Unit.
After nearly four hours of communication, deputies said Newsome was taken into custody without further incident.
No injuries were reported to Newsome or to any responding deputies.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said Mr Newsome has been charged with aggravated assault, discharging a firearm in public, using a firearm while under the influence, obstruction without violence, and criminal mischief.
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Investigators said the case remains active and that Mr Newsome is being provided additional mental health resources while incarcerated at the Walton County Jail.
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