The incident began around 1:30AM at a home on Patrick Lane in Newry. That’s where State Police say 52-year-old Mark Wendt got into an argument with his estranged wife, Vickie Elaine Wendt and his brother-in-law, 32 year old Joshua Claar. According to police reports, Wendt fired a shot at the home as he left the scene.
Troopers say Wendt then took off to his Helen Street home in Newry, where the standoff with officers began. In addition to State Polce, responding to the scene were officers from Blair, Allegheny, and Greenfield Townships, as well as Hollidaysburg and Duncansville Borough. The Logan Township Police department also responded with an armored vehicle.
Several attempts by the State Police to make contact with Wendt failed and the situation had an escalated sense of urgency because Wendt was known to be in possession of several handguns and high-power rifles.
A State Police Special Response Team eventually set off a non-lethal flash grenade inside Wendt’s house hoping to temporarily disorient him with a blinding flash of light and loud noise. That brought an end to the standoff and Wendt was taken into custody.
Wendt has been charged with burglary, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment.
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