One arrested following hours long standoff in Benton

Sunday evening the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a male subject being disorderly on Highway 11 at the Main Street, Temple Avenue, and Galena Streets intersection in Benton. A short time later, the dispatch center received another 911 call from a second caller stating that the subject was armed with a firearm. Lafayette County Sheriff’s Deputies, were immediately dispatched. Law enforcement officers from the Hazel Green Police Department, Galena Police Department and Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office also responded to assist under mutual aid request. Upon arrival of law enforcement officers, the male subject, identified as 37-year-old Anthony J. Lucey of Benton, had returned to his home on Galena Street. Lucey refused to cooperate with law enforcement and a standoff ensued. The Multi-jurisdictional Emergency Response Team, as well as law enforcement negotiators responded to the scene. Several surrounding residences were evacuated by Law Enforcement during this standoff. The standoff came to a safe conclusion when Lucey was taken into custody roughly seven hours later. No injuries were reported by Lucey or by law enforcement officers. Lucey was transported to the Lafayette County Jail where he remains. This remains an open investigation, and will be forwarded to the Lafayette County District Attorney’s Office for evaluation of charges.