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A report of a man with guns threatening a woman in Franklin on Tuesday evening, June 28, was followed by the man barricading himself inside a Franklin residence, Franklin Police stated in a news release. 

Police were eventually able to take the man into custody.

The Franklin Police Department release stated that at approximately 6:39 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Cameron Street for a report of a male with two guns threatening a female. The female victim had fled the residence, and the male remained inside. 

Upon arrival of responding officers, the male, identified as William Murphy, a 34-year-old resident of Norfolk, barricaded himself inside the residence and refused to respond to law enforcement, police stated. The Virginia State Police Tactical Team responded to assist the FPD, and Murphy was taken into custody without incident. 

Murphy was charged with threat to burn or bomb, assault and battery of a family member and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, the release stated, adding that Franklin officers also executed arrest warrants from the city of Norfolk for Murphy for two counts of assault and battery of a family member, two counts of strangulation, attempted malicious wounding and robbery. 

The FPD extended thanks to the Virginia State Police and Southampton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Eric A. Cooke for their assistance.

The release concluded by stating that if anyone has information about this crime or other criminal activity within the city of Franklin, they are asked to call Franklin Police at 757-562-8575, Franklin Crime Solvers at 757-516-7100 or contact the FPD online at p3tips.com. Information that leads to an arrest can earn the caller a cash reward while remaining anonymous.