Domestic Violence Suspect in Custody After 7 Hour Stand Off in a Tree

Snohomish County, WA. – A 35-year old Snohomish County  man is in custody after climbing a tree to avoid arrest and leading Officers on a  seven hour standoff.

According to Shari Ireton, Communication Director for the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office said the incident began around 4:30 a.m. when a call came in to 9-1-1 from a woman in the 800 block of 13^th Street.

The caller said her ex-boyfriend had just broken into her home, assaulted her, and then fled the residence.  The man returned a short time later and when confronted by law enforcement, climbed a large tree on the property.

After several hours of unsuccessful negotiations, Snohomish County  Fire District 4 provided assistance by spraying the suspect with water.

Around noon, the man asked for assistance to come down from the tree.  He was taken to Providence Regional Medical Center for possible hypothermia.  He is expected to be

booked into the Snohomish County jail for 2^nd degree domestic violence assault.