UPDATE—Shots fired in Pell Lake standoff
PELL LAKE—A Pell Lake man barricaded himself in his home for four hours Sunday night and into Monday morning, reportedly holding a hostage and twice firing a gun, according police.
Michael J. Panici, 33, N1537 Overlook Circle, was arrested early this morning on seven pending charges, including taking hostages, failing to comply with officers, discharging a firearm into a building, disorderly conduct, carrying a weapon while intoxicated, criminal damage to property and bail jumping.
Police responded to the home for a reported domestic disturbance, according to a news release from the department and police sources.
Two gunshots were heard inside the home shortly after officers arrived, according to the release.
Police pulled a then-13-year-old boy out of a basement window shortly after the disturbance was reported, Walworth County Undersheriff Kurt Picknell said.
The woman who reported the disturbance was Panici’s girlfriend, Picknell said.
The Walworth County SWAT team assisted with the standoff. There were no injuries.
The woman said she picked up Panici from a bar after the Super Bowl. She said she was upset that he was drunk and they started arguing.
She and two of her children ran Bloomfield Police Chief Lloyd Cole's house next door. The boy, who's 14th birthday is today, ran into the basement and called police.
Cole has not returned a phone call seeking comment.

Feb 4, 2008 at 5:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
Overlook DR is in a new subdivision off of Daisy and Pell Lake Drs. Boyfriend/Girlfriend whatever, maybe she should think twice about letting this guy back in the house to protect her kids and herself. Chances are this guy has done something like this before and she never reported it.
Feb 4, 2008 at 1:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
two things - the story says the woman was his boyfriend - boyfriend?
also, I can not find an overlook drive in Pell Lake. Is the address right?
Feb 4, 2008 at 1:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
"The woman who reported the disturbance was Panici’s boyfriend, Picknell said."
-----------------------------------------------
Am I missing something, the woman was this guy's BOYfriend?
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.