Suspect arrested after barricading inside Walla Walla home
By Dan Thesman on Friday, November 3rd, 2023 in Columbia Basin News Featured Stories More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA -The Walla Walla Police Department arrested and booked Steven E. Runyan, 45, of Walla Walla for fourth-degree assault domestic violence and obstructing a law enforcement officer after barricading himself inside his residence Thursday.
Shortly after 4 p.m., WWPD was called to a residence on the 1300 block of Ruth Street for a domestic disturbance. When officers arrived, they learned that Runyan had assaulted his 77-year-old father. Police said the father sustained minor injuries and refused medical attention at the scene.
Runyan was inside the house and not coming out as officers were directing him to. Per Washington state law, officers are mandated to take a suspect of domestic violence into custody if the assault occurred within the past four hours. Additional units including deputies from the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s office responded to assist.
Nearby Pioneer Middle School was advised of the situation. Although regular classes had ended for the day, basketball practice was taking place. Police and school officials determined it was not necessary to stop the practice. Officers worked with school officials and parents to safely route students out of the area after practice was over. School officials contacted parents and required them to pick up their students. No students were allowed to walk home.
A search warrant was written and signed by a judge to enter the house and take Runyan into custody. Officers gave Runyan several commands to come out of the house over a 90 minute period. Shortly after 6:30 p.m., officers entered the house and took Runyan into custody. No force was used, and no injuries were sustained.
