Thursday, February 14, 2013
Man Frightens Family With Gunshots During Domestic Dispute
An Iron City man was arrested early Valentine’s Day morning after discharging firearms during a domestic dispute.
Reports filed through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department show that Ricky Wayne Gobble, age 44, was arrested on a domestic assault charge and transported to the Lawrence County Detention Center for incarceration.
Deputies were dispatched on a “shots fired” call to Danley Road just after 12:00 a.m. Neighbors reported that they had been awakened by gunfire. One said that someone was knocking on her door just after she heard the shots. Another reported looking out to see a silver Jeep driving away.
While they were gathering information regarding the gunshots, deputies were notified by dispatchers with Lawrence Central Dispatch that there was a domestic dispute in progress at 111 Danley Road. They report that when they arrived at the residence they noticed Gobble at the back door.
Deputies said Gobble was wearing two gun holsters and had what appeared to be a crowbar in his hand. They ordered him to raise his hands, however they report that he placed a hand in his pocket and repeatedly refused to comply. He was taken into custody on charges of domestic assault.
They note that Gobble’s wife requested dispatch of emergency medical personnel because he had fallen prior to their arrival, hitting his face on a brick wall.
Family members, including Gobble’s wife and daughters, reported there was a history of domestic violence, but that the intensity was greatly increased when he consumed alcohol.
They reported that during the dispute he had been armed with two handguns, placing them in fear for their safety. They retreated to another room where they placed a 911 call for assistance.
Both .40 and .38 caliber handguns were seized into evidence. Deputies were informed that there were several assault weapons stored inside the home, as well. In addition, they noted that there were signs of fresh damage to the driver side rear quarter of Gobble’s Jeep.
Gobble is scheduled to answer the charges against him in Lawrence County General Sessions Court on March 19, 2013.
