Sweetwater Police Arrest Suspect After Domestic Disturbance, Armed Standoff

SWEETWATER, TX — Sweetwater police arrested Anthony Bentley early Tuesday following a reported domestic assault that escalated into an armed standoff at a residence in the 800 block of Hill Street, authorities said. 

Officers responded around 6 a.m. April 14 to a report of an assault involving Bentley. The victim told police Bentley had threatened to shoot himself if law enforcement was contacted and that a gunshot had been fired inside the home before officers arrived, according to a news release from the Sweetwater Police Department. 

Officers made repeated attempts to contact Bentley, who was inside the residence and refused to exit. After issuing warnings that a K-9 would be deployed, officers sent the dog into the home. The K-9 located Bentley and bit him, allowing officers to take him into custody without further incident, the release stated. 

A search of the residence found Bentley in possession of a stolen firearm and an unspecified quantity of illegal narcotics, police said. Bentley was transported to the Nolan County Jail. 

He faces charges of assault causing bodily injury — family violence; tampering with a witness — family violence; theft of a firearm; deadly conduct; and possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1. 

The department commended the responding officers and K-9 unit for their professionalism and restraint in resolving the situation safely. The investigation remains active, and no further information was released. 

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Sweetwater Police Department at (325) 236-6686.