Prescott Man Accused of Cutting Hole in Ex-Girlfriend’s Roof, Sparking Intense SWAT Standoff

Prescott police have detained 33-year-old Anthony Cullum following a SWAT standoff, where he allegedly threatened his ex-girlfriend with a machete.

PRESCOTT, Ariz. — A tense encounter unfolded when a Prescott man reportedly used a machete to intimidate his ex-girlfriend, preventing her from entering her own home. The incident escalated into a standoff between the man and the SWAT team, according to the city’s police department.

Police officers responded to the domestic disturbance call near Montezuma and Sheldon streets around 4:15 p.m. on July 30. Upon arrival, they discovered that Cullum had allegedly threatened his ex-girlfriend as she attempted to retrieve diapers for their infant.

Given Cullum’s erratic behavior and previous damage to the home, including cutting a hole in the roof for access, the woman had been staying with friends. Cullum fled before the police arrived but was later spotted near Willis and Cortez streets. An officer tried to stop him, but Cullum sped away on his motorcycle.

Returning to the house, Cullum threatened officers, claiming the house was booby-trapped and that he would “shoot it out” with them. Officers noted seeing a rifle on the roof near Cullum’s access hole and several security cameras.

Due to the severe nature of his actions and threats, the Prescott SWAT team was deployed. On July 31, 31 SWAT members executed a search warrant at the residence. Despite multiple attempts to have Cullum surrender peacefully, he continued to ignore police commands.

Chemical agents were introduced into the home to compel Cullum to exit, but he still resisted. Consequently, authorities deployed a “less lethal baton” and a K9 unit, ultimately apprehending him without further incident.

Cullum now faces several felony charges, including criminal damage, evading law enforcement, and resisting arrest. Additional charges are related to the initial domestic violence call.

Authorities did not provide further details about the events leading up to the incident or information about Cullum’s ex-girlfriend and their infant.

Notably, Cullum was already out on bond for previous charges, which included theft of motor vehicles, aggravated assault on law enforcement, and resisting arrest.