6 Hour Standoff In Merlin

A 68-year old man is facing multiple charges after a 6 hour standoff with police Wednesday in Merlin. At around 5 p.m., authorities received a report that one man had shot another at a 4-plex on Peach Street. When troopers arrived at apartment where the incident occurred, the accused shooter, Stephen Lester Powers refused to cooperate. Because he had a firearm, a SWAT team was called out. Powers surrendered at 12-30 a.m. He is charged with 2nd degree assault, being a felon in possession of a firearm, negligently wounding another, reckless endangering, menacing, unlawful use and carrying of a weapon. After the arrest, police obtained a search warrant of the apartment. Their search found a possible explosive device. The unnamed victim was treated for a wounded hand at Three Rivers Community Hospital.