Anderson Man Arrested After Standoff

Earlier this month, McDonald County Sheriff’s Office was called to Indian Creek Campground regarding a man alleged to be intoxicated, armed and making threats toward neighbors.

At approximately 9 p.m. on May 9, deputies arrived on the scene and identified George Bishop, 69, of Anderson as the man in question. According to a probable-cause affidavit, deputies watched Bishop enter his residence, and he then refused to answer the door or leave the camper. Complaints and witness statements were gathered, and McDonald County’s Special Response Team was notified.

Upon arrival, the SRT verified Bishop was in the trailer and established a perimeter. Deputies ran Bishop’s information, which indicated Bishop had previous weapons charges.

“Due to the fact that the subject was intoxicated and making threats, the SRT was deployed and attempts were made to call the suspect and also to try and call him out using a loudspeaker on the patrol cars,” said Sheriff Mike Hall.

Deputies were able to obtain a phone number for Bishop and make contact via a cell phone, but reports state Bishop said he was not coming out. He allegedly yelled profanities, made threats toward law enforcement and said deputies would have to kill him.

After six hours of attempting to lure Bishop out of his residence, windows were broken on the structure and CS gas — commonly known as tear gas — was deployed. Deputies entered the residence to find Bishop on his couch with a single shot 12 gauge shotgun next to him, police reports state.

Bishop was evaluated by Freeman Ambulance Service before being transported to McDonald County Jail.

Bishop was arrested in connection with felony charges of assault, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a firearm by exhibiting, and resisting arrest.