SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — A man barricaded himself inside a home for more than three hours after allegedly assaulting an acquaintance with a hammer on June 19.
Officers were dispatched to a home on Thoroughbred Drive at approximately 5:35 p.m. for a report of a disturbance.
The first officer arriving on scene was met by the homeowner outside the home.
The victim advised that an acquaintance assaulted him with a hammer and was still inside the residence.
The victim sustained injuries to his head and was bleeding heavily from his face.
The victim was transported to Albany Medical Center for treatment and has since been released.
Officers and supervisors made numerous attempts to communicate with the suspect and encourage him to exit the home peacefully.
The suspect ultimately ceased communicating with officers.
Members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department’s Special Response Team were activated due to the suspect’s refusal to comply and the potential danger posed by the situation.
A member of the Department’s Drone Unit deployed a drone which provided real-time intelligence regarding the suspect’s location within the residence.
SRT members used the information provided by the Drone Unit to safely enter the home and take the suspect into custody without further incident.
Chance O. Barger was charged with second-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, aggravated family offense, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and fourth-degree criminal mischief.
Barger was arraigned in Saratoga Springs City Court and remanded to Saratoga County Jail.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 7.
