A Baxter County man was taken into custody without injury Saturday night after allegedly threatening to shoot a man living on his property and then engaging in a tense standoff with deputies while armed with a handgun.
Authorities say 49-year-old Michael Raymond Wamser Jr. of Mountain Home, called 911 around 9 claiming that a man, later identified as his caretaker, needed to leave the property or he would shoot him. During the call, dispatchers reported Wamser appeared suicidal and was refusing to put down a firearm.
According to multiple deputy reports, Wamser was found in his driveway in a motorized wheelchair with a loaded .45-caliber handgun in his lap. When ordered to drop the weapon and show his hands, Wamser repeatedly refused, cursed at officers, and shouted, “Shoot me, shoot me.”
Deputies say Wamser waved the gun in the air, at times pointing it toward officers, and claimed he had additional firearms inside the home. He briefly retreated into the residence before returning unarmed. As he continued yelling at officers, one deputy approached from behind and successfully detained him.
Wamser was transported to the Baxter County Detention Center, where he was booked on multiple charges including three counts of aggravated assault, terroristic threatening, disorderly conduct, obstructing governmental operations, and fleeing. His bond was set at $15,000.
Deputies recovered a loaded handgun containing seven .45mm rounds but no round chambered. Wamser’s phone and a red knife were also taken into evidence.
The man Wamser threatened, told deputies he had not spoken to Wamser that day and was unaware of any conflict. The victim said he had been living in a camper on the property and working as Wamser’s caregiver.
No injuries were reported in the incident.
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