Man Accused of Child Sex Assault Held Knife to Own Throat in Standoff With Cops

PALATINE, IL — A 34-year-old Palatine man accused of sexually assaulting a child held a pocket knife to his own throat Saturday after officers confronted him about the alleged attack, according to police.

Barnassey Thomas was charged with two counts of felony predatory criminal sexual assault of a child after Palatine police investigated allegations of sexual misconduct against him. He is being held on $750,000 bail, and his next court date is Nov. 11.

On Saturday, Thomas fled his home when a relative of his victim confronted him there, according to police. He was later found by police about two miles away in a public area in the 1300 block of North Rand Road.

Once police arrived, Thomas refused to obey the officers and held a pocket knife to his own throat, police said. Officers negotiated with Thomas and convinced him to drop the knife after they threatened to use a Taser, according to police.

He then surrendered to the officers, who took him into custody. There were no reports of any injuries, according to police.

Barnassey Thomas, 34 (photo via Cook County Sheriff's Police)

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