She was finally able to get to the phone early Monday morning and send a text to a family member.

“That initiated the call to the sheriff’s office,” Simpson said.

Deputies have recovered a rifle they believe Miller used to threaten the woman and law enforcement if they tried to arrest him, the sheriff said.

He said there is a history of domestic violence between Miller and the woman, but would have to check his records to see whether deputies have been dispatched to the address in the past.

Miller was treated at the scene for exposure to tear gas, Simpson said, and the woman and child are with family.

Residents living nearby were denied access to their homes because of the incident, he said.