An early morning argument that escalated into a domestic dispute landed a Colbert County man in jail on kidnapping, burglary and a variety of misdemeanor charges, authorities said Friday.

Gregory Keith Williams, 51, Hamilton Avenue, Muscle Shoals, is charged with first-degree burglary, second-degree kidnapping, domestic violence third-degree menacing, domestic violence harassment, obstructing justice, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest and third-degree criminal mischief, according to Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan.

The chief said the charges stem from an altercation that started around 1 a.m. outside an apartment on Gann Boulevard.

“It’s a tough situation anytime you have a suspect with a gun, two possible hostages and (the woman) is screaming in desperation,” Logan said. “It was a potentially volatile situation. It’s fortunate that everyone is safe today.”

Reports indicate a neighbor heard Williams and a 26-year-old woman arguing outside the residence.

“They claim just to be acquaintances, but for whatever reason they were arguing and that argument ended up inside the house,” Tuscumbia police detective Sgt. Stuart Setliff said.

Reports indicate the woman lived at the residence with her 30-year-old boyfriend. The boyfriend was in the bedroom asleep at the time. Setliff said the woman, in an effort to get away from Williams, went into the house. However, Williams went through another door and was inside when the woman got inside.

“She ran to the bedroom where her boyfriend was, and Williams followed,” Setliff said. “When he got inside the bedroom, (the woman) said Williams pulled a gun and threatened her.” Reports indicate her boyfriend quickly got out of the bed, went into the bathroom and locked the door.

“She was trying to leave the bedroom but (Williams) refused to let her, and actually blocked the door,” Setliff said.

Officer Matt Green reported that when he got to the residence the door was open and he heard a man and woman arguing in the bedroom area, with the woman hollering “God, no please.”

Setliff said officer Jeremy Wear and Lt. Leon Brown responded to the call as well and they ordered Williams out of the bedroom.

“He refused and even told them to ‘hold on.’” Setliff said. “After he refused to come out again, they kicked in the bedroom door and took Williams into custody.”

Reports indicate they found the pistol on a piece of furniture in the bedroom.

“The female wasn’t hurt; that was the main thing,” Setliff said.

Williams is being held in the Tuscumbia City Jail without bail.

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.