Incident in 2000 Block of Second Street

Radford, Va. – On January 1, 2023 at approximately 10:15 a.m., officers with the Radford City Police Department were dispatched to the 2000-block of 2nd Street for a disturbance. It was reported that a male was threatening to shoot law enforcement and himself if police were called to the residence.

Upon arrival at the residence, officers established a perimeter and attempted communication with the barricaded male subject within the residence. The on scene investigation revealed that the male subject had assaulted a female victim prior to the disturbance call being placed.

The Radford City Police Department SWAT team was called to the scene along with crisis negotiators from the Virginia State Police. Virginia Tech Police Department also assisted with providing resources during the incident.

After nearly a 5-hour standoff, the subject was taken into custody without incident. No injuries resulted from this incident to the suspect or officers involved.

As a result of this incident, Jonathan N. Jarels, 20, of Radford was charged with 1 misdemeanor count of domestic assault and battery. Mr. Jarels is being held at the New River Valley Regional Jail.

Chief Dodson stated “I am truly appreciative for the Virginia State Police and Virginia Tech Police Department for their assistance during today’s incident. I am thankful for the skill and training of our SWAT team members in working to bring this critical incident to a peaceful resolution today.”