Former Connell teacher arrested after lengthy stand-off

CONNELL, Wash.-- A Connell man was arrested Monday evening more than six hours after he holed himself up in his house to avoid arrest.

According to the Connell Police Department, James D. Colclasure, 65, called Connell Police to his home in the 300 block of N. Burke shortly before noon due to a disturbance. Once on the scene, officers learned that the man had assaulted his female roommate and damaged her property.

When he realized he would be the one headed to jail, the former Connell High School teacher ran back into the house and armed himself with a hatchet, threatening to kill the officer and hurt the roommate.

On-duty SWAT was called to the scene, with officers from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Benton County Sheriff's Office, Pasco Police Department, Richland Police Department, and Kennewick Police Department helping during the incident.

Shortly after 6:00 p.m., voluntarily walked out of the house and surrendered to officers. He was booked into the Franklin County Jail for felony assault, and could face additional charges.