Fayetteville Police have arrested a retired police officer following a domestic dispute and an all-night standoff at an east Fayetteville apartment complex that began before midnight Friday. They later arrested his son also.
Detective Mike Whitlow said officers were called to a domestic argument at 100 Knight Way, apartment 1708 at the Weatherly Walk apartment complex, Friday evening at approximately 11:35 p.m.
“Witnesses reported that shots had been fired during the dispute. No one was hit with gunfire but one female was injured during a physical altercation,” Whitlow said.
“All parties left the residence except the homeowner, John Meron Simon III. When officers tried to question Simon, he refused to exit the apartment and barricaded himself inside,” Whitlow said. “Officers received information that Simon is a retired police officer and had several weapons inside the apartment.
“Fayetteville police surrounded the residence, evacuated nearby residents and activated the Fayetteville/Peachtree City Special Response Team,” Whitlow said.
“Negotiators spoke to Simon by telephone throughout the early morning hours. Simon, 67, eventually surrendered at approximately 8 a.m. [Saturday] and was arrested on one count of aggravated assault-family violence and one count of obstruction,” Whitlow said.
Simon’s son, John Meron Simon IV, 36, of Detroit, Mich., was also arrested and charged with one count of aggravated assault. Both subjects are being held in the Fayette County jail. Police are still investigating the incident,” Whitlow said.
