Standoff ends peacefully, results in two in custody

At 11:34 a.m. on April 22, 2023, Arkansas City police officers were called to the 1300 block of North A Street on a report of a woman threatening people with a gun. Officers quickly arrived and located Jesse Shae Simmons, age 44, of Winfield.

Simmons pointed a handgun at the three initial responding officers. Simmons also brandished a machete and hammer. Officers created a perimeter and contained the situation while additional resources were summoned. Assistance flooded in from the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office, Winfield Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Southern Kansas SWAT Team, Arkansas City Emergency Management, and Cowley College Criminal Justice program.

The situation turned into a standoff with Simmons and an unknown passenger in a vehicle parked in the driveway at 1323 N. A St. It was believed that Simmons had no tie to the location, but it was later revealed that the vehicle became disabled at this location.

Attempts to make phone contact with Simmons by law enforcement were not effective. However, officers worked through friends and family to reach Simmons with no positive results.

Just before 3:45 p.m., occupants of the truck tried moving the vehicle, and it was at this time the Kansas Highway Patrol moved in with an armored vehicle to ensure that the vehicle did not leave the perimeter.

Shortly after introducing the armored vehicle into the scene, Alyna Arran Alvarado, age 33 of Winfield, surrendered to law enforcement without issue. Approximately 4 minutes later, Simmons surrendered also without incident.

Both Simmons and Alvarado were taken into custody without injury and were evaluated medically before being transported to the Cowley County Jail. Both individuals are being held on a $100,000 bond for charges from the investigation in Arkansas City and an incident earlier in the county.

“We are very thankful to have the standoff ended the way it did, with everyone being safe and unharmed,” Police Chief Eric Burr said. “The response from area law enforcement and the professionalism displayed were appreciated and contributed to a positive outcome.”

Both Simmons and Alvarado are facing charges that include several counts of aggravated assault.

If you have questions or concerns about this or any ACPD press releases, please contact Police Chief Eric Burr at (620) 441-6601 or email him at eburr@arkcity.org.