Watson, IL-(Effingham Radio)- A Watson man taken into custody near Watson after a lengthy stand-off with Police.
Matthew W. Reissen, 37, of Watson, was arrested at his residence along IL Rt. 37 early Friday morning after a fifteen–hour standoff with Police. The incident started early Thursday afternoon when the Effingham County Sheriff‘s Office began receiving calls that Reissen was lighting fires in his yard and on RT 37, which runs in front of his residence. Callers also reported Reissen throwing large rocks at passing cars, and threatening motorists with a large knife he was carrying.
When police arrived Reissen retreated to his residence and refused to cooperate with officers. Deputies believed Reissen was in possession of several firearms inside the residence and several unsuccessful attempts were made to establish communication with him. Effingham County Sheriff‘s Deputies and assisting Effingham City Police Officers set a perimeter around the residence and the Illinois State Police SWAT was requested. When SWAT and the Illinois State Police Negotiators arrived they worked to contact and resolve the issue with Reissen through–out the day and into the night. During the early morning hours Reissen fired a weapon from inside the residence, striking the negotiators armored vehicle and one of the outbuildings on the property. Shortly after this incident, negotiators convinced Reissen to surrender to authorities, and he walked out of the residence and was taken into custody at 4:10am. Reissen cut his hand during the night, and he was taken from the scene to Effingham St. Anthony hospital for treatment. He was treated and released and is currently being held at the Effingham County Jail on charges of arson and aggravated discharge of a firearm. No Officers were injured during the operation.
Sheriff Paul Kuhns was thankful for the positive outcome of the incident and recognized the restraint and patience of the tactical operators, and all of the officers involved. Like many large incidents, several area emergency service agencies were involved. Sheriff Kuhns would like to thank the Effingham City Police, Illinois State Police SWAT and Negotiators, Illinois Secretary of State Bomb Squad, Effingham County States Attorney Brian Kibler, Illinois Department of Transportation, ARCH Air Medical Service, Rural Med EMS, Watson Fire Department and Effingham County EMA.
Sheriff Kuhns would especially like to thank the congregation of the Watson United Methodist Church for opening the doors to their dining hall and kitchen to all of the Emergency Responders. The generosity they showed is an outstanding example of our community.
Matthew Reissen is presumed innocent of all charges unless convicted in a court of law.
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