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Muskegon standoff aftermath: ‘Now our beautiful home looks like we got robbed’

Posted at 11:10 PM, Aug 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-01 23:19:58-04

MUSKEGON, Mich. -- A man was arrested over the weekend after police say he shot at a woman during an alcohol-fueled dispute.

The situation started Saturday evening when Muskegon Police were called to the area of Seaway Drive and W. Southern Avenue. Police say Elijah Twining, 34, fired a handgun while arguing with his girlfriend.

The woman, Jennifer Twining, was not injured and ran away before calling 911. Jennifer says she and Elijah were on the porch when he pulled out the gun, turned away and shot into the air.

She says the two then went inside and argued about why he did that.

"Things escalated, and we exchanged some not so nice words, and I chose to leave and go get help," Jennifer said.

Elijah Twining (Courtesy Muskegon County Sheriff)

Elijah Twining (Courtesy Muskegon County Sheriff)

Jennifer says Elijah was under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the incident but that he never threatened her and did not shoot at her. She said about 10 officers responded to the home and asked Elijah to come outside. At that point, he closed the door, climbed through a window, and ran off, she said.

Police believed he was still in the home, so thaty used a stand-off tactical plan that included a SWAT team and robot, along with helicopters in the air.

Elijah eventually turned himself in to police at about 3 p.m. Sunday.

Jennifer says police shot tear gas through a window, and there is a huge crack in the wall from when the police robot crashed through the front door. She says there was an estimated $4,000 in damage.

"So now our beautiful home looks like we got robbed, and I have a 13-year-old who doesn't know if his dad will make it to his graduation," Jennifer said.

FOX 17 reached out to Muskegon Police about the standoff, but we have not heard back. Neighbors were told to stay inside and lock their doors during the search for Twining. He is currently behind bars and is facing several charges, including weapons offenses.