
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, August 1, 1995                   TAG: 9508010050
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: COVINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

MAN HOLDS WIFE, CHILDREN IN STANDOFF WITH POLICE

A Covington man, who police said was holding his wife and two children hostage, held officers at bay for more than eight hours Sunday morning.

Randolph Edgar Gaines, 27, surrendered to police at 9:35 a.m. Sunday. His wife and two children had been released earlier from the apartment in downtown Covington.

More than 25 law enforcement personnel from Covington, Alleghany County, Roanoke County and the Virginia State Police were involved in negotiations with Gaines, Covington Police Chief Jackie Thurston said.

Thurston, who coordinated the police activities, said his department was called to the apartment to investigate a domestic dispute.

Gaines' wife, Donna Gaines, had been injured and warrants were obtained for her husband's arrest. When officers attempted to serve the warrants, he refused to surrender and would not release Donna Gaines, a 23-month-old child and an infant. Police said he had a handgun.

Police evacuated other residents of the apartment building.

Thurston said the mother eluded Gaines and left with the infant early Sunday. Around 7:55 a.m., he handed the 23-month-old child over to police.

Gaines surrendered about 90 minutes later.

The mother and children were taken to Alleghany Regional Hospital by the Covington Rescue Squad and Gaines was taken into custody.

He is charged with malicious wounding and assault and battery.

- Associated Presss

by CNB