Police Arrest Barricaded Subject in Saratoga Springs

The Saratoga Springs Police have arrested an individual after he allegedly struck an acquaintance of his in the head with a hammer and caused a standoff with police.

Chance Barger, 30, of Schenectady was arrested and charged with felony 2nd degree assault, felony 3rd degree assault, felony aggravated family offense, misdemeanor criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and misdemeanor 4th degree criminal mischief. 

Officers were dispatched to a home on Thoroughbred Drive on June 19 at 5:35 p.m., according to the Saratoga Springs Police Department. On scene, officers found the victim outside the home who reported that Barger allegedly struck him with a hammer and was still inside the home.

Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, however Barger refused to communicate with officers, prompting the deployment of the Saratoga Springs Police Department’s Special Response Team and Drone Unit. 

Shortly after the deployment of the drone, officers were able to enter the home and take Barger into custody without further incident.

“The incident was resolved safely in large part due to the patience and de-escalation efforts made by officers and supervisors on scene, as well as the capabilities provided by the Drone Unit and Special Response Team,” The Police Department said in a statement. “These specialized resources play a critical role in safely resolving incidents that have the potential to become dangerous for both the public and responding officers.”

Barger was arraigned in City Court and remanded into custody pending further proceedings. 

The victim was transported to Albany Medical Center for treatment but has since been released.