Watford City, ND (trfnews.i234.me) — A frightening domestic violence incident in Watford City escalated into a barricade situation early Friday morning, prompting a SWAT team response.
At 2 a.m., Watford City police responded to a domestic disturbance in the 100 block of Fifth Street Southeast. Officers found a terrified woman and her two children fleeing in a vehicle, stating that Craig Brian Chavez, 37, had broken into the apartment and assaulted her with his hands and a belt.
According to authorities, Chavez threatened to kill the victim while children were present, and even abused the family dog during the attack. Once the victim escaped, Chavez barricaded himself inside the apartment, refusing to surrender to law enforcement.
The Williams County SWAT team was dispatched and, after attempts to negotiate failed, used flashbangs and less-lethal munitions to force Chavez out of the apartment. He was taken into custody without further incident.
The victim was treated at McKenzie County Hospital and later released.
Chavez now faces multiple felony charges, including:
Burglary Terrorizing Domestic violence Aggravated assault Reckless endangerment Interference with emergency communications Resisting arrest Animal abuse
Stay updated on this developing story here: TRF News
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News