CHEATHAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) -- In law enforcement, the seemingly mundane can explode in an instant. A situation that unfolded in Cheatham County Wednesday afternoon had that type of potential.

Members of the Pleasant View Police Department tried to exercise a judge's order involving a violation of an order of protection on Wednesday, May 7. According to police, 30-year-old John West would not accept the paperwork from the court or leave the home as requested by authorities.

In the body camera footage, you can hear Pleasant View Police Chief Tad Wheeler telling his officers and deputies from the Cheatham County Sheriff's Office who gathered in the street, "If he doesn't walk out peacefully, we're going to charge him."

According to officials, West was inside the home.

To illustrate the possibility of gunfire, Wheeler pointed to his police-issued pickup truck as a means of protection, saying, "We will absolutely use old Betty for what little bit of cover she offers."

After a few minutes, law enforcement entered the home. While they didn't believe the suspect was armed, they didn't know for sure, so they checked every closet and every doorway.

The search eventually moved to the attic. Not only was the room dark and the footing difficult, but there were plenty of hiding places.

Following several minutes of searching, Pleasant View Assistant Police Chief Adam Wright looked behind some insulation and found the suspect.

After authorities handcuffed him, West asked, "Does anyone know what I'm being detained for?"

"You're being charged with violation of order of protection," one of the law enforcement officers responded.

Outside, during the debrief, Wright mused, "I think the final clue was he was up there, when I come around the corner, there was a beer sitting upright in the insulation [and I'm] like, 'Oh he must still be here!'"

Once in the back of the police vehicle, law enforcement read West the paperwork he reportedly refused to accept.

"'Do not abuse, threaten to abuse, hurt, or try to hurt or frighten petitioner,'" a deputy read from a document.

According to the arrest paperwork, while on his way to jail, West texted the petitioner again, in violation of the court order. He was charged with resisting arrest and two counts of violating an order of protection.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/video-cheatham-county-authorities-arrest-man-hiding-in-attic/