Columbus homicide suspect arrested in 8-hour SWAT standoff in Dayton

Credit: Jim Noelker

A man wanted for murder in Columbus was arrested Wednesday night in Dayton following a SWAT standoff that lasted eight hours.

The U.S. Marshals Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) arrested Sir Robert Martin-Sydnor at an apartment in the 2100 block of Catalpa Drive.

Martin-Sydnor allegedly shot and killed Raphael Jones on Denune Avenue in Columbus earlier this month, according to U.S. Marshals.

A SOFAST investigation led crews to the Catalpa Drive apartment and Martin-Sydnor was arrested after an eight-hour standoff.

Dayton police officers and SWAT crews surrounded an apartment starting around 4:15 p.m.

Sir Robert Martin-Sydnor

Credit: Montgomery County Jail

icon to expand image

Credit: Montgomery County Jail

During the standoff, police were heard using a bullhorn ordering a man to come out of an apartment building.

“Come out with your hands up. We are not leaving,” police announced.

Streets in the area of Catalpa Drive and West Fairview Avenue were blocked.

The Dayton Police Department asked people to avoid the area in a social media post. The department updated its post to say the police activity ended late Wednesday night.

No injuries were reported, according to Dayton police. A man in his 70s was held hostage during the standoff and was checked on by medics.

He had no injuries, aside from the stress of the situation, a Dayton police representative said.

“This arrest is the result of the teamwork and collaboration between the United States Marshals Service and its law enforcement partners across the state. In this case, our investigators were able to determine the location of this dangerous fugitive and then turn over the scene to the SWAT professionals who were able to safely take him into custody,” said Michael D. Black, U.S. Marshal, Southern District of Ohio.

Dayton and Montgomery County SWAT crews and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Special Response Team assisted at the scene.

Martin-Sydnor is held at the Montgomery County Jail pending extradition to Columbus.

We are working to learn more information and will update this report.

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