Hostage situation confirmed in Belmont County

UPDATE: Officials have released the name of the man who was arrested after a hostage situation in Belmont County.

Belmont County officials say Ray Allen Fox Jr. is currently in the Belmont County Jail.

Authorities confirm that 46-year-old Ray Allen Fox is facing charges of kidnapping, strangulation, obstructing official business, violating a protection order, failure to appear, and several counts of domestic violence.

More information about the standoff is expected soon.

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POWHATAN POINT, Ohio (WTRF) – Officials have taken one man into custody after what has been confirmed a hostage situation.

The Belmont County Sheriff’s Department received a call around 2pm concerning a domestic violence issue on Industry Street in Powhatan Point.

Officers arrived and tried to make contact with the two individuals inside, but were unsuccessful in doing so.

The Belmont County Special Operations Team was called in, where they remained on scene for the next three to four hours.

Both officials and neighbors have said that this is not the first time this particular residence has had problems.

“I was cutting grass and they started arguing, fighting. Next thing I know, here comes all kinds of cop cars. They woke me up at 3:00, 4:00 in the morning. I come out on the porch 11, 12:00 at night, and they would be out fighting on the streets.”

Jerry Kenney – Witness/Neighbor

Officers did breech the doorway to the home, but did not make entry into the residence.

Around 5pm, the woman exited the home and about 45 minutes after, the man exited and was taken into custody for questioning.

This is a developing story. Stay with 7News and WTRF.com for updates.

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