PRESCOTT, Arizona — On April 28, 2025, at approximately 1:06 p.m., a tense standoff unfolded in the 400 block of South Montezuma Street, culminating in the arrest of 33-year-old Travis James, a Prescott resident, on felony charges. The Prescott Police Department responded to a call from the Prescott Fire Department, initially dispatched for a medical emergency, which revealed a potential domestic violence incident involving James and his mother, who was being treated for injuries at the scene.
According to the police report, James became uncooperative when officers attempted to engage him, escalating the situation by assaulting an officer with a punctured aerosol can, thrown as a weapon, before retreating into his apartment. Fearing he might be armed—later confirmed by the presence of several knives inside—officers surrounded the building but refrained from immediate entry, opting instead to issue commands for James to surrender. His refusal prompted the deployment of the Prescott Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team and Crisis Negotiation Unit, who used phone calls and loudspeaker announcements to urge compliance. After these efforts failed, SWAT employed less-lethal tactics, eventually entering the residence and discovering James had fled into the attic, potentially accessing adjoining apartments. He was apprehended hiding in another unit, with no injuries reported to officers or the suspect.
James was booked into Yavapai County Jail on charges of aggravated assault and burglary, in addition to a pre-existing arrest warrant from Coconino County. The incident led to the closure of South Montezuma Street for several hours, displacing residents and business owners, a disruption that underscores the broader community impact of such events. While the police commend the operation as a “peaceful resolution,” the reliance on SWAT and the extended standoff raise questions about whether earlier intervention in James’s history—given his existing warrant—might have prevented the escalation. Prescott has seen similar standoffs recently, such as the July 2024 case of Anthony Cullum, who also barricaded himself during a domestic violence incident, suggesting a pattern of challenges in addressing such cases proactively.
The Prescott Police Department encourages the public to report any concerns by calling 928-777-1900, emphasizing their commitment to community safety. Let’s remain vigilant and support efforts to prevent future incidents.
Published by State Gleam
Keywords: Travis James, Prescott Standoff, SWAT Arrest, South Montezuma Street, Domestic Violence, April 2025
