by Hunter Dawkins
On Monday morning, the Harrison County Sheriff Department responded to a hostage situation and an armed standoff on J.P. Ladner Road near the county line in Pass Christian. After seven hours with a victim being released during the time period, suspect Hiram Kevin Smith surrendered to county authorities.
The call came at 8:30am from this residence after numerous 911 calls explaining that Smith forced himself into the property of his estranged wife carrying a firearm.
Once deputies arrived, negotiation began where Smith’s wife safely exited the property after an hour. Then, Smith refused to leave the home making a few suicidal threats before Harrison County Sheriff Troy Peterson called the Harrison County and Gulfport Police Department SWAT Teams to the scene.
Both departments worked with Smith to get him out safely.
Finally, at 3:15pm, Smith left the residence without any weapons and was safely detained. Smith was evaluated by the American Medical Response (AMR) unit then transported to a local hospital for more exams.
Following Smith’s release from the hospital, Sheriff Peterson advised him of an arrest and formal charges.
