Pulaski County Sheriff's Department drone photo at scene

The Knox police reported the woman involved in the incident had fled the residence where it took place, under duress, and made it to Knox where she made the call to law enforcement. Upon Pulaski County deputies taking the report, it was learned there were clear signs that an altercation had occurred. It was alleged there was a firearm involved in the incident, threats of self-harm and harm to others, and alcohol was a factor, according to a report released Friday by the Pulaski county police.

Upon obtaining information to affect a probable cause arrest for Salyer, a search warrant for the residence was obtained. Under direction of Sheriff Chris Schramm and Sgt. Seth Barton, a call-out of Pulaski County deputies was directed. Capitalizing on the “take home vehicle program,” six deputies responded directly from their residences to a staging location near the residence in a very timely manner.

“With felony offenses, a threat of weapons, and possible intoxication, the safety risk to all involved drastically increases,” Barton explained in the police report. “All deputies have all of their safety equipment in their vehicles staged and ready for details such as this.”

Upon arriving off-site and receiving a brief, deputies traveled to the residence to execute the search warrant. Prior to all units arriving at the scene, drone support was utilized, and law enforcement was able to receive real time footage of the situation in the residence. On scene, deputies were able to use their vehicles, ballistic helmets, vests and shields for security while announcements and negotiations were attempted. Lights, intermittent sirens, loud speakers, and various announcements were made with no response from inside. 

Utilizing shields deputies approached and opened the door to the residence. More announcements were made with no response, police reported. Utilizing a first-person drone, Deputy Pickens flew the drone into the residence to locate the suspect. The drone was able to pinpoint the suspect inside of residence and give deputies real time information on the suspect's location and actions. 

After still not receiving compliance, Deputy Leszek utilized K9 Tiko to enter the residence before any deputies. The police dog went inside the residence and located the suspect. K9 Tiko kept the suspect in his original location long enough for deputies to safely move into the residence and take Salyer into custody. Once detained, the suspect then began to resist and push deputies around, according to the police report.

Barton noted this type of resistance emphasizes the need for police vehicles to be fitted with transport sections which allow deputies to safely transport unruly suspects the often long drives they face to the Pulaski County Justice Center. 

Salyer was booked into the Pulaski County Justice Center on charges of confinement a Level 3 felony, intimidation with a deadly weapon a Level 5 felony, domestic battery a Level 6 felony, and resisting law enforcement a Class A misdemeanor. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

“Incidents such as this occur annually and emphasize the need for continued support in equipment and training,” Barton reported. “Nearly all of the deputies employed by Pulaski County have attended SWAT School, or an equivalent ‘High Risk Search Warrant’ School to be prepared to handle these incidents. We receive continuous monthly trainings in firearms training, hands-on defensive tactics training, and de- escalation training. Without continued support from county commissioners, council and the community, these incidents would not have a quick and safe resolution.”