Police: Norman Standoff Began As A Domestic Dispute

More details emerged Saturday after Norman police arrested a man after a three-hour long standoff Friday evening. Police said the incident was a family matter and then the domestic dispute took a dangerous turn.

No one was hurt but one witness said she barely escaped the bullets flying from the 33-year-old Richard Watson's home.

Norman police responded about 6 p.m. Friday at 128 Crystal Court. Watson was intoxicated and angry, and when police tried to talk with him and resolve the situation, Watson wasn't having it, according to police.

Watson went inside and came back out wielding what police called a high-powered, scoped rifle.

“I mean it had everybody in a panic. I mean, we were just like, ‘Oh my God there’s somebody out there with a gun,’” Laura Gibson said.

Gibson was outside watching when the situation escalated.

Police said Watson fired multiple rounds at officers. They were able to escape the gunfire. Then, Norman SWAT arrived on scene.

8/21/15 Related Story: Police End Standoff In Norman, Suspect In Custody

But one of those rounds hit a van across the street, just feet from where Gibson was sitting.

“We ran inside and kind of, you know, got away from the window and everything,” she explained.

“After the gunshot, that scared the heck out of me,” said Watson’s next door neighbor Venessa Ramsey.

Ramsey and others were evacuated from the neighborhood.

In the meantime, officers were able to help family members escape from Watson’s home safely.

“The children came out finally anyway and they were really tearful and upset,” Ramsey said.

After three hours, negotiations were going nowhere. SWAT went into and arrested Watson without incident, Norman police said.

With all the children in the neighborhood, residents are relieved it wasn't any worse.

“I was just worried somebody would get hurt. You know? He could’ve done anything,” Ramsey said.

As for Watson? Authorities said he was so intoxicated, none of their conversations were productive enough to find out why the incident occurred.

Watson was medically cleared at Norman Regional Hospital and he was booked into the Cleveland County jail on the complaints of using a weapon in the commission of a felony, shooting with intent to kill, carrying a firearm while under the influence, and child neglect.

Watson’s mugshot shows apparent face injuries. Police said they were not caused by contact with officers.