Standoff

May 20, 2010


By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com

First came the cheers and then the obscenities.

Accused rapist Michael R. Tackett’s arrest after a standoff with Pennsylvania State Police stirred outrage among his West Pittsburg neighbors.

“He deserves everything he gets,” resident Lisa Ann Duncan said.

Tackett, 39, of 1459 14th Street, surrendered around 5:40 p.m. — more than five hours after police attempted to serve him with an arrest warrant.

The latest charges result from a state police investigation of a May 24, 2007, rape in Woodcock Township, Crawford County. He is accused of rape, sexual assault, terroristic threats and simple assault.

District Judge Jennifer L. Nicholson arraigned Tackett last night and set his bond at $500,000. He was placed in Lawrence County jail. Tackett is expected to be transported this morning to Crawford County jail.

State police said additional charges will be filed stemming from yesterday’s event.

“Thank God, it’s over,” Stacy Maradola said. “We’ve all grown up with him. He’s lived down the street since we were kids.”

Tackett is awaiting trial in connection with the rape of a real estate agent on June 11, 2009, in Jefferson Township, Mercer County. He was released on $100,000 bond in December. That case is scheduled to be heard in July.

The standoff began at 12:30 p.m. when state police from the Meadville and New Castle stations arrived at Tackett’s home.

Tackett refused to come to the door, according to Lt. Kirt Snyder. He said the state police called in its Special Emergency Response Team to take Tackett into custody.

“We had intelligence that weapons were in the house,” he said.

Police ordered an evacuation of the surrounding area. Maradola was told to leave her 13th Street home at 2 p.m.

“We were watching everything there in my garage,” said Brian Trott, who lives next door to Tackett.

“We started hearing knockin’ on my front door, and we came up. It was a cop. ... He just kicked us out.”

Tackett’s wife reportedly called him from a nearby location. Meanwhile, an officer used a loudspeaker to urge Tackett to surrender.

“We have given you every opportunity to exit peacefully,” an officer told Tackett. “You need to come out of your home. We’re not going to injure you or beat you up.

“You heard from your wife. She wants you to come out.”

Canisters were fired into Tackett’s home throughout the stalemate. Some contained a chemical agent while others produced loud noises, Snyder said.

At 5:34 p.m., seven response team members entered the home. Tackett was in custody within minutes.

“He was given multiple, multiple opportunities to come out of the residence,” Snyder said.

Located upstairs, Tackett did not resist arrest. Snyder would not disclose if any weapons were found.

As police led Tackett out of his home, residents heckled him. Maradola said Tackett’s legal troubles were well known.

“I wasn’t surprised (by the response) — not in a town where everybody knows everybody,” she said.

No injuries were reported. However, Noga Ambulance transported Tackett to a local hospital. Snyder would not disclose if it was Jameson Hospital or Ellwood City Hospital.

Assisting state police were departments from New Castle, Shenango Township, Neshannock Township and the county sheriff’s office.