A former Marchias resident has been identified as the Attican Motel resident who told authorities he was armed Friday night, leading to a four-hour standoff that ended after the use of teargas. He's been charged with a felony.
Michael A. Balla, 39, was arrested by Attica PD, Chief Dean Hendershott announced this evening, and he is being held in the Genesee County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.
Balla is charged with falsely reporting an incident, 2nd.
Authorities say Balla called 9-1-1 and reported that he had a loaded gun, that he did not want anyone coming there because there would be an explosion when they walked in the door.
Hendershott was dispatched to the scene and he requested backup from deputies in both counties along with State Police.
A State Police negotiator tried to talk Balla out of the Attican's Room 101 and the State Police robot was used at one point to check the room and as a communications device to try and convince Balla to surrender.
When he didn't teargas was fired into room.
After being taken into custody, Balla was transported to Wyoming County Community Hospital for treatment of an apparent overdose and a mental health evaluation.
He was arrested on the charge when he was released from care at 3:30 p.m.
Balla is schedule for a felony hearing at 4 p.m. Feb. 10 in Alexander Town Court.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.
