GAS — Michael Peter “Pete” Troxel, Gas, was taken into custody Monday, following a four-hour standoff in his home after he allegedly threatened a convenience store clerk earlier in the day with a knife.
Undersheriff Bryan Murphy said Troxel, 56, was taken to Allen County Hospital, then later transferred to Overland Park Regional Medical Center for further observation of injuries he suffered in his arrest.
Murphy said Troxel exited his house voluntarily but refused to obey officers’ further commands.
Troxel was shot by an officer with a “less lethal” round than a bullet would be, Murphy said.
The shot was ineffective, so officers forced Troxel to the ground to subdue him.
A pair of law enforcement officers are accompanying Troxel while he remains hospitalized.
THE STANDOFF followed an incident shortly before 11 a.m. Monday when an employee at Pump N Pete’s in Gas said Troxel pulled out a knife and threatened her after she asked him to leave the store because he was using foul language.
Troxel left the store and went to his home at 319 N. Main St.
Troxel, who allegedly was brandishing a gun, refused to come out of his residence after officers arrived, leading to the standoff.
Assisting the Allen County Sheriff’s Department were officers from the Iola Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol and Special Response Team.
The standoff lasted until Troxel eventually left his home at about 3 p.m.
Murphy said Troxel officially was arrested on a warrant alleging aggravated assault and making a criminal threat.
Deanna Saichompoo, Troxel’s girlfriend, said Troxel suffers from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stemming from his service in Vietnam. Troxel was in the Navy from 1973 to 1977.
Saichompoo said Troxel had suffered from similar PTSD episodes previously, including once in April that led to his arrest when officers believed he was driving while intoxicated and reckless driving.
He spent four days in jail, Saichompoo said, although formal charges have not been filed.
Saichompoo said Troxel’s daughter had been arrested on drug charges last week, which also upset him.
