Cops Unmask Meadows Suspect After Intense 6-Hour Armed Standoff

Meriwether, a 31-year-old man, is facing charges stemming from a police pursuit that culminated in a six-hour standoff in Maricopa Meadows. According to Maricopa Municipal Court records, he had outstanding warrants for two counts of fighting and assault with injury, following his failure to appear in court earlier this year.

The incident began shortly before noon when Maricopa police attempted to stop Meriwether’s vehicle at the intersection of John Wayne Parkway and Honeycutt Avenue. Instead of complying, he fled the scene, prompting a police search that led to the discovery of his vehicle near a residence on Morning View Lane.

Once at the location, Meriwether barricaded himself inside the home, first isolating himself in the attic and then in an upstairs bedroom. This prompted the Pinal County Regional SWAT unit to be dispatched for assistance around 1:30 p.m. Law enforcement agencies from Chandler, Casa Grande, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office were involved in the operation.

After several hours of negotiations and attempts to persuade Meriwether to surrender, SWAT team members employed a battering ram and used tear gas to gain entry into the home. Ultimately, he surrendered peacefully upon their arrival, and there were no shots fired during the operation. Meriwether is now in custody at the Pinal County jail, awaiting further legal proceedings.