Man Jumps Gunman, Ends Long Standoff

A bureaucrat in the state worker’s compensation office ended a seven-hour hostage standoff without a shot being fired when he jumped an unemployed welder who marched in with guns and gasoline.

James L. Dailey, upset about the denial of his workers’ compensation claim, was arrested and charged with three counts of kidnapping, police said, and more charges were expected.

Police said Dailey, 36, entered the office with his three boys, ages 8, 10 and 11, and then pulled out three weapons and threatened to start a fire with several cans of gasoline. He also took three hostages.

Dailey let his two youngest children leave immediately; the eldest boy left several hours later, along with two unarmed security guards.

That left bureau worker James Carter, 58, alone with the gunman, who had traded a high-powered shotgun for a can of soda. Carter took his chance about 90 minutes later, jumping Dailey.