A standoff in Warrenville early Friday morning ended with the arrest of repeat offender Matthew Harrison Hardy, who was barricaded inside an abandoned residence and reportedly armed.
Hardy, 32, was taken into custody by a SWAT team and deputies after several hours of negotiations, sheriff’s Staff Sgt. Stephen Shunn said.
According to the authorities, Hardy was allegedly vandalizing the property when he caused extensive damage to the building by breaking out several windows. The residence, which was unoccupied at the time, had been left abandoned.
Law enforcement initially responded to reports of a disturbance at the location. Upon arrival, officers discovered Hardy had barricaded himself inside the residence, prompting a response from specialized SWAT units. There were concerns that Hardy could be armed.
Hardy has been charged with larceny, malicious injury to property, and disorderly conduct. After being taken into custody, he was transported to the detention center where he was booked and remains under arrest.
Hardy has been repeatedly arrested for disorderly conduct, shoplifting or trespassing. In one case from March, officers responded to a disturbance at Firestone on Pine Log Road in Aiken, where Matthew Hardy was intoxicated, yelling, and breaking beer bottles in the parking lot.
After making contact, Hardy became increasingly agitated and uncooperative. Despite being asked to leave, he remained belligerent and was arrested for disorderly conduct. While being escorted to the patrol vehicle, Hardy attempted to smash his head into the glass but was stopped by officers and safely taken into custody. His Ford Ranger was towed.
