Deputy Harrell Safely Resolves Armed Standoff in Buna

Booking photo of Kenneth Powers, 69, of Buna. Photo Courtesy of Jasper County Sheriff's Office.

BUNA, Texas – Jasper County deputies face all kinds of calls in the course of a day — from traffic accidents to theft reports, to moments of real danger where quick thinking can mean the difference between tragedy and relief. On Friday afternoon, one such call unfolded in Buna, and it ended without bloodshed thanks to the compassion and composure of Deputy Matt Harrell.

On Friday, August 22, 2025, at about 2:02 p.m., Deputy Harrell was dispatched to Cougar Drive in reference to a Family Violence Assault. Investigators say Kenneth Powers, 69, of Buna, allegedly assaulted his sister before fleeing the scene.

When Harrell learned Powers had gone home and retrieved a rifle, the situation escalated. A short time later, the deputy located Powers near the entrance of Cougar Country and Highway 96. Powers produced the weapon and, at one point, held it to his own head while Harrell tried to reason with him.

For several tense minutes, the deputy spoke calmly with Powers, urging him not to hurt himself and working to defuse the situation. Harrell’s measured response bought time until other officers arrived to assist. Together, law enforcement was able to talk Powers down and safely place him into custody.

Authorities say Powers never pointed the rifle at Deputy Harrell, but the danger was real — and the restraint shown by Harrell and his fellow deputies ensured no one was hurt.

Powers was booked into the Jasper County Jail on multiple Class C charges and faces an additional charge of Assault–Family Violence with Injury, a Class A misdemeanor.

Sheriff Chuck Havard praised the outcome, emphasizing both the professionalism and compassion that guided Harrell’s actions.

“Deputy Harrell conducted himself with self-control and professionalism during an extremely intense and stressful event. We are thankful he nor Powers was injured during this incident. We will do what we can to ensure Powers receives the mental health treatment he needs while in custody,” Havard said.

Incidents like these are a reminder of the wide range of calls local deputies handle every day. Some situations are about enforcing the law. Others, like Friday’s armed standoff, call for patience, empathy, and the kind of calm under pressure that keeps the community safe.

As always, Powers is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.