By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
A large police presence, including an armored vehicle, drew attention in the 500 block of East Sixth Street on June 16 as officers with the Hays Police Department responded to a reported disturbance allegedly involving firearms.
Tim Greenwood, deputy police chief said officers arrived on scene around 8:30 p.m. and made contact with 27-year-old Nathan Pfeifer, who allegedly would not comply with commands before retreating inside the residence.
“This is somebody that we are familiar with, and knew that he struggles with mental health challenges,” Greenwood said.
Because the original report allegedly involved firearms, officers established a perimeter around the home and attempted to communicate with Pfeifer while determining the level of danger involved.
The Hays Police Department then activated the Special Situation Response Team.
“The tactical team was activated. They responded to the scene,” Greenwood said. “We have got the armored vehicle on scene.”
While tactical officers secured the area, patrol officers and investigators also worked alongside mental health crisis resources to gather more information about the situation.
Greenwood said investigators later conducted a more detailed interview with the reporting party and determined the incident allegedly did not involve a felony crime. Officers also determined the firearms Pfeifer allegedly had access to were legally possessed.
Once investigators determined the tactical response was no longer necessary, the Special Situation Response Team stepped back and patrol officers handled the remainder of the situation.
“We drew down, we handed it over to the mental health crisis team to try to get this guy the help he needs, and we were gone within two hours,” Greenwood said.
No injuries were reported, and no shots were fired during the incident.
The investigation remains open, and Hays Police Department has requested charges of misdemeanor disorderly conduct against Pfeifer.
For the department, the incident also highlighted the importance of community members reporting suspicious or potentially dangerous situations when they arise, Greenwodd said.
Despite the police presence, Greenwood said officers responded according to protocol based on the information initially provided to dispatch.
In the end, the situation was resolved peacefully.