Update on WCPD Traffic Alert: Suspect in custody
Patrice Bumstead
Farmer Editor
Earlier today, the Watford City Police Department issued a traffic alert to the residents of Watford City, for the 100 block of 5th St. SE, due to a large police presence in the area. The Farmer contacted law enforcement, who stated that the incident was isolated and there was no danger to the public. New details have been released by the WCPD as follows.
At approximately 2 a.m. law enforcement responded to a domestic incident. Upon arrival officers located the victim (Jane Doe) and her two children in a vehicle fleeing the scene.
The suspect was identified as 37 year-old Brian Chavez of Watford City. During the investigation, law enforcement discovered that Chavez had broke into Doe's apartment and assaulted her with his hands and a belt. Doe's two children were present at the time of the assault and considered to be in danger at that time. The victim's pet dog was also abused by Chavez during the incident.
The victim informed law enforcement that Chavez told her he had a gun and was going to kill her. Once she was able to get herself and children to safety, Chavez barricaded himself in the apartment. Law enforcement reported Chavez did not follow commands from WCPD officers or McKenzie County Sheriff deputies to exit the residence.
According to the release, Chavez has a history of displaying "assaultive behavior" toward law enforcement and threatened to use a weapon against the officers this morning, in response, the Williams County SWAT team was dispatched to the scene.
Once on-scene, Williams County SWAT deployed less-lethal munitions and flashbangs and successfully drove Chavez out of the residence at which time he was taken into custody. The victim received treatment at McKenzie Health and was released.
After his arrest today, Chavez was charged with a Class B Felony for burglary; 5 Class C Felony charges for terrorizing; domestic violence-aggravated assault; and reckless endangerment-extreme indifference; interference with a telephone during emergency call-intentional; and preventing arrest or discharge of other duties. He was also charged with a Class A Misdemeanor for animal abuse.
This is a developing story, The Farmer will continue to provide updates as they become available.
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