A Texas County man was taken into custody after an alleged firearm-related assault and subsequent barricade at the Licking Police Department on April 6, 2026.
According to the Licking Police Department (LPD), officers responded to an assault involving a firearm around 8:40 p.m. The suspect, identified as Dewayne A. Nelson, 45, fled the scene but was later found at a Dollar General where he collided with two vehicles at high speed.
Witnesses reported that Nelson exited his vehicle and confronted an occupant of one of the vehicles before fleeing again. He then drove to the LPD, where he drove over a curb and nearly struck the building.
Authorities stated he used a floor jack to break through two entry doors, causing significant damage to the reception area. Upon entering the lobby restroom, he turned off the lights and simulated a firearm with a caulking tube.
Nelson was apprehended following brief negotiations. He later recorded a blood alcohol content of 0.119%, according to law enforcement.
He faces charges in two separate cases: the first for Third-Degree Assault, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Armed Criminal Action, and others, with a $10,000 bond. The second case involves First-Degree Property Damage and DWI Causing Serious Physical Injury, among others, with a $20,000 arrest warrant.
LPD announced that their office lobby will remain closed until further notice due to the damage incurred during the incident.