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Man Fleeing Police Barricades Himself In Shed, Uses Blow Torch Against Officers

By News Apr 2, 2020 | 10:20 AM

Lincoln Police Officer Erin Spilker says the incident began after officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection  48th and Holderedge around 3:30 AM Monday on a vehicle being driven by a 46-year-old Joseph Rolence, who was known to police and suspected of having suspended license.

After confirming his license was indeed suspended, an officer told Lorence his car would be towed as per LPD policy.

“Rolence told the officer that he would have to be killed before he let that happen and fled from the traffic stop,” says Spilker.

Another officer in the area observed Lorence arrive at his last known address and barricade himself inside a shed in the backyard, all the while resisting attempts to stop him.

At one point he even attempted to douse an officer with suspected pepper spray.

Spilker says officers tried to convince Rolence to exit the shed peacefully.

“When he refused to do that, they attempted to pepper spray through the broken windows hoping to force him out of the shed. However, then he used a blow torch, ejecting flames from the windows as the officers were nearby them.”

After hours of negotiation, a police canine was sent into the shed and allowed police and opportunity to arrest Reynolds, who suffered bite marks to his shoulder and hand. 

The police dog sustained minor injuries.

No officers were injured.