June 24, 2008, Canton, MI Yesterday William Barney Gifford, age 50, was arraigned in 35th District Court on three misdemeanor charges including Domestic Violence, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or $500 fine; Possession of Weapons While Intoxicated, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or $500 fine; and Interfering with a Crime Report, punishable by up to 1-year in jail, and a $1,000 fine.  Gifford was ordered a $1,000 bond by Magistrate Eric Colthurst.  His pretrial date will be set by the court.

Police officers confiscated 25 handguns, rifles and shotguns of various calibers, including an AR-15 assault rifle. Police also recovered 11 knives, 2 swords and thousands of rounds of ammunition from Giffords home.  All weapons will remain in police custody until court order releases them.

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Original Release Barricaded Gunman

June 22, 2008, Canton, MI At approximately 8:45 p.m., a 50-year old man barricaded himself inside his residence with a handgun, threatening to kill himself and/or family members.  Inside the residence with the suspect at the time were his wife, his daughter, and two grandchildren.  

The suspect was reported as being highly agitated and owning several weapons.  Canton police officers secured the area and activated the Western Wayne Special Operations Team which responded to the scene.  All family members were able to exit the house unharmed.  Hostage negotiators spoke with the suspect for approximately one hour at which time he exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident.

Charges are pending through the Wayne County Prosecutors Office.

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