Pinellas Park SWAT Team Responds To Domestic Incident, Man Arrested After Holding 2 Women Hostage

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. – A tense situation unfolded in Pinellas Park on Friday afternoon when police responded to a report of an armed domestic disturbance. The incident, which occurred at a residence on 50th Way N, resulted in the arrest of 37-year-old Russell Rippey.

Upon arrival, officers learned that Rippey was inside the home with two female hostages and was armed with an AR-15-style rifle and several handguns. The Pinellas Park Police Department SWAT team was immediately activated and responded to the scene.

After securing the area, two female hostages, identified as Rippey's girlfriend Paula Gordon (48) and her friend Sharon Basart (74), were able to safely exit the residence. The SWAT team then established contact with Rippey, who eventually surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident.

An investigation revealed that a domestic disturbance had escalated, prompting Gordon to call her friend, Keith Thorbim (62), for assistance. Upon arrival, Thorbim was threatened with the AR-15 and forced into the residence, where Rippey continued to assault Gordon. Thorbim managed to escape and contact law enforcement.

Rippey was arrested and transported to the Pinellas County Jail. He is currently facing three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, with additional charges expected as the investigation continues.

The Pinellas Park Police Department emphasized that this was an isolated incident and posed no threat to the public.

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