Published: May 06, 2008 09:58 am         

Mineral Wells man jailed after police standoff

By Lacie Morrison
lmorrison@mineralwellsindex.com

A Mineral Wells man remained in the Parker County Justice Center Friday after allegedly threatening a family member at bow-point and firing at a Parker County deputy.

According to the Parker County Sheriff’s Department, deputies first responded to a residence in the 13000 block of U.S. Highway 180 East in western Parker County around 2:15 a.m. Wednesday regarding an altercation between a man later identified as Kevin Jason Lane, 29, and his father, who is believed to have fired a handgun to ward off his son, the suspect.

Lane was gone from the residence upon the arrival of the deputies, officials reported. Deputies were dispatched to the address again around 4 a.m. after a female family member told authorities Lane pointed a compound bow and arrow at her.

Sheriff Larry Fowler said the second call prompted a response from the Weatherford Parker County Special Operations Group and a helicopter for aerial surveillance after the man attempted to fire an arrow at responding officers near the premises. Fowler confirmed that deputies did fire on Lane in self-defense and the shooting was justified.

Lane reportedly fled into a rural area covered with brush and thicket adjoining Lake Mineral Wells State Park, located east of his family’s property.

According to arrest affidavits filed, deputies Patrick Snell and Thomas Johnson returned to the scene and searched the wooded area around the premises when they suddenly encountered Lane pointing the bow – drawn back with an arrow ready – at them.

Authorities reported that a single round was discharged at the suspect just before both deputies took cover. SWAT officers and deputies searched the area and discovered the man hiding in a camper trailer near the premises.

Lane was taken into custody without incident and booked into jail on two charges. The suspect was not hit by the gunfire. Lane was charged with aggravated assault of a public servant and aggravated assault of a family member.

He remained in custody in lieu of his bonds, totaling $150,000.

Fowler said the cases would be brought before the grand jury.