An armed man held 11 National Guard Troops at gunpoint in West Texas while they were attempting to transport coronavirus vaccines.
Police were alerted on Monday morning that the suspect had stopped three vehicles being driven by the troops.
The suspect, 66-year-old Larry Lee Harris, had been previously following the troops and repeatedly attempted to run them off the road.
Eventually Harris managed to stop the Guardsmen after he turned his vehicle into oncoming traffic, got out and pointed his gun at a soldier.
He then proceeded to say he was a detective and that he needed to search the troops’ vehicle, according to Idalou Police Chief Eric C. Williams.
American Military News has more details:
Harris told police he stopped the vans because he believed they were carrying a kidnapped woman and child. Williams said, “Harris appeared to be mentally disturbed” adding, “This was a very dangerous situation since the suspect was standing in the midst of the unarmed Guardsman with a loaded weapon.” Williams also said Harris had “plenty of ammunition to cause a lot of havoc.” According to KCBD, Harris had a loaded Colt 1911 pistol .45 Caliber, along with a spare magazine on his person and another loaded magazine in his truck.
Harris surrendered and was arrested immediately after the authorities arrived to the scene.
No Guardsmen were injured during the incident and no shots were fired.
NBC News has reported that Harris is now facing a federal charge. He is also facing multiple state counts.
The National Guard has been helping distribute the coronavirus vaccine throughout the country.