According to footage published by Terre Haute Vice News, an hours long standoff in Liggett, a small community northwest of West Terre Haute, ended peacefully late Monday night, June 6th 2022. Police scanner traffic indicated a man (Update: Now identified as 68 year old Thomas Quintana) had pointed a firearm at a family member, and refused to come to the door when police arrived. On scene early in the altercation were the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police Department.
An unidentified female arrived stating that she was the man’s girlfriend, that he was a veteran who had recently changed his medication, and that he might have been drinking and passed out. The woman informed the ISPD that the man was “deaf” or hard of hearing, and that she could go in and get him. It appeared that local law enforcement would not allow her to approach the home. (Update: according to the Probable Cause Affidavit filed in the case, a man named Justin Riley called 911 when Quintana passed out from low blood sugar and hit his head)
Some time later the Terre Haute Police Department’s Special Response Team (SRT) arrived with four armored vehicles. The recently acquired BearCat, an armored personnel carrier, and two Humvees (Update: Reports indicate that only three of the armored vehicles were on scene). Questions have been raised about the police department’s need for so many military vehicles, and in a 2019 Tribune Star article, then Sgt. Kevin Barrett is quoted as saying, “THPD is in the process of giving the military vehicles back.” Public records requests have been filed for the exact number of vehicles and the dates they were returned.
After an extended period of time local public safety vehicles and equipment can be seen exiting the area. It is currently believed that the man came to the door willingly and that the standoff ended with no injuries (Update: Additional reports indicate law enforcement did make entry into the home). Requests for interviews have been made with local law enforcement agencies and family members of the individual in question. If you have any information regarding this case or any other local stories please use the contact form linked at the top of this page.
