12:30 P.M. Thursday Update - Dale County Standoff
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: January 31, 2013
Here is the latest on the hostage standoff in Midland City.
- CNN provided the following statement to WDHN: "We are working with state and local law enforcement to bring this situation to a resolution. Investigators have no reason now to believe the suspect has injured the child. FBI hostage negotiators are working with state and local negotiators, said a federal law enforcement official."
- Pinckard Police Chief James Arrington says man holding child hostage has had no prior issues with Pinckard Police but HAS with county law enforcement. He says negotiators are communicating and delivering items to the man and little boy through a 4" PVC pipe that emerges from the ground in the man's back yard. A news conference was scheduled for noon but has now been delayed because of no new developments.
- A press conference has been announced for tomorrow morning at the Newton Town Hall. The Poland family is expected to read a statement at that time.
- Pastor Michael Senn with a church close to the scene says members of his congregation have seen Dykes carrying a propane heater around his property before this incident.. possibly an indication there is some source of heat in the bunker.
- The next scheduled press conference is scheduled for 5 p.m. and then again at 10 p.m. WDHN will carry those live.
