PORT ANGELES — Police resolved a standoff peacefully last week with no use of force, Port Angeles Chief Brian Smith said.
“This was a challenging situation for the officers, agents and firefighters involved,” Smith said in a press release.
“They were dealing with a highly agitated and potentially violent suspect in a tense and rapidly evolving situation.”
Joseph A. Imler, 40, of Port Angeles remained in the Clallam County jail Monday on $1,000 bail after he was booked Wednesday for investigation of felony harassment-domestic violence and third-degree theft-domestic violence.
The standoff began after Officer Luke Brown developed probable cause to arrest Imler, and officers found him in the area of 700 S. Chambers St. in Port Angeles.
Officers secured the area, eliminating possible escape routes, and Brown negotiated with Imler, Smith said.
“Officer Brown used his crisis-negotiating skills to keep the situation under control,” Smith said.
“Officers Sean Ryan, JJ Smith and Cpl. Clay Rife maintained distance and tactical advantage. Port Angeles Fire Department paramedics were staged in case they were needed for a medical emergency.”
Imler said he would surrender to federal agents. U.S. Border Patrol agents talked with him and detained him.
“The homeowner where the subject’s vehicle was parked witnessed the incident and was exceedingly thankful that the situation ended the way it did,” Smith said.
The incident consumed the entire on-duty PAPD officer resources, Smith said.
