SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – A man wanted on multiple felony charges is in custody following an overnight standoff with law enforcement at a motel in Kodak.
According to Sevierville Police Department Professional Services and Public Information Officer Bob Stahlke, officers responded Friday night to the Smokies Motel on East Dumplin Valley Road after locating 33-year-old Mark Harden, who was wanted on active felony warrants.
Authorities said Harden was wanted on charges including aggravated domestic assault, especially aggravated kidnapping and theft.
When officers attempted to make contact with Harden, police said he refused to leave his motel room and barricaded himself inside.
Due to the seriousness of the charges and concerns that Harden could be armed, the Sevierville Police Department activated its SWAT team, crisis negotiators and a police K-9 unit.
The standoff lasted approximately three hours as negotiators attempted to convince Harden to surrender peacefully.
According to Stahlke, officers also used a tactical drone to enter the room and establish communication with Harden. Despite repeated efforts, police said Harden refused to comply with commands or exit the room.
After negotiations failed, officers deployed chemical agents inside the motel room and then sent in a police K-9 to locate the suspect.
Police eventually discovered Harden hiding underneath a pile of clothes and a mattress inside the room.
He was taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities have not released additional information regarding potential new charges that could result from the standoff. Harden remains jailed on the outstanding felony warrants.
The incident remains under investigation.
