Domestic Incident Leads to Armed Standoff and Arrest

Today, August 12, 2026, at approximately 5:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to a reported domestic disturbance at 706 Chestnut Street.

The female victim reported that Raymond Bailey was under the influence of drugs and was brandishing a handgun inside the residence. As she was leaving the home, she heard a gunshot and believed Bailey had shot their dog. The victim further reported hearing the dog yelp immediately after the gunshot.

Upon arrival, officers established a perimeter around the residence and began attempting to contact Bailey using the public address system on their patrol vehicles. Officers observed movement inside the home, but Bailey refused to exit or respond to commands.

Due to the circumstances, the Lawrence County Critical Incident Response Team (C.I.R.T.) was requested to assist. Nearby residents were contacted and asked to temporarily evacuate their homes as a precaution. Officers were aware of previous incidents involving Bailey discharging firearms both inside and outside the residence. In addition, Bailey is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms.

After arriving on scene, the Lawrence County C.I.R.T. assumed control of the incident. While C.I.R.T. personnel were staging and preparing operations, detectives with the New Castle Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division obtained a search warrant for the residence.

For approximately two hours, C.I.R.T. personnel continued efforts to communicate with Bailey and persuade him to exit the residence voluntarily. Shortly after 10:00 a.m., chemical munitions were deployed into the home. Approximately 30 minutes later, Bailey exited through the rear door of the residence and was taken into custody without incident.

Following Bailey's arrest, C.I.R.T. officers conducted a protective sweep of the residence and located the dog deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.

The investigation remains ongoing. Criminal charges against Bailey are being prepared and are pending at this time.

The New Castle Police Department would like to thank the Lawrence County Critical Incident Response Team (C.I.R.T.), the Lawrence County District Attorney's Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the Shenango Township Police Department, and the Union Township Police Department for their assistance during this incident. We would also like to thank the surrounding residents for their cooperation and patience throughout the operation.