Watford City man remains in police custody following bond hearing
Patrice Bumstead
Farmer Editor
The Farmer recently reported that 37 year-old Craig Chavez, of Watford City was charged with eight Class C Felony charges for aggravated assault, terrorizing, reckless endangerment, felonious restraint, interference with a telephone during an emergency and preventing arrest on March 3, 2025.
It has been reported that Chavez is known to local law enforcement due to a history of domestic violence (DV).
According to court documents, he has been arrested three times for domestic violence in McKenzie County since 2022.
The morning of Feb. 28, local law enforcement responded DV call at a residence, upon arrival the victim and two children were located.
It was reported that Chavez forced entry into her residence, and began assaulting her. Once the victim and children escaped the assault, Chavez barricaded himself in the residence.
The Williston S.W.A.T. was deployed to the residence to assist local law enforcement. Four chemical agents and one flash bang were utilized, and Chavez surrendered.
Chavez’s bond was set at $300,000 cash or corporate surety. He has been assigned legal counsel and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 24, 2025, he is still in custody.
This is an ongoing story that The Farmer will continue to follow and report updates as they become available.
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