Stephenville man arrested without incident after Thanksgiving standoff

By JESSIE HORTON

Photos by RUSSELL HUFFMAN

TheFlashToday.com

For several hours Thursday Stephenville PD, Erath County Sheriff’s Department and a joint task force SWAT unit (Erath, Hood and Somervell County SO) had Estes Street in Stephenville blocked off while they called for a subject to come out of a home located there.

After more than two hours with units on scene at the location on Estes, officers were informed that the subject had been taken into custody at another location elsewhere in the city. Brandon Bilbrey, 27 of Stephenville, was arrested and booked into the Erath County Jail on charges of possession of marijuana, under two ounces and a parole violation.

According to unconfirmed reports, Stephenville PD officers were first called to the scene for reports of domestic violence, but unbeknownst to the officers, Bilbrey had already left the area. Stephenville Police officials have not confirmed these reports, however.

Officers from Stephenville PD, Erath County Sheriff's Department and a joint task force SWAT team were on scene on Estes Street Thanksgiving Day. — Officers from Stephenville PD, Erath County Sheriff’s Department and a joint task force SWAT team were on scene on Estes Street Thanksgiving Day.

It has been confirmed that Stephenville PD was called to the scene in reference to an alleged physical altercation between a male and female subjects first, and barricades were in place on Estes Street just after 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27. Police officials said officers on scene on Estes were trying to make contact with the male subject whom they believed to be in the residence.

Bilbrey was later located walking on the South Loop and was arrested by Stephenville PD without incident. Officers began clearing barricades and disbanding from the scene at approximately 8 p.m. Regular traffic was flowing through the streets again by 8:30.

Bilbrey has a lengthy criminal history, including driving while intoxicated in 2008; and manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance, penalty group 1, over four grams, but under 200; possession of marijuana, under two ounces; possession of drug paraphernalia and motion to revoke probation – manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance in 2011, in addition to this evening’s charges.

The Flash continues to follow this story with help from officials at the Stephenville Police Department, and we will bring you more information as/if it develops.