PRESCOTT, Ariz. — A Prescott man is in custody after he allegedly used a machete to intimidate his ex-girlfriend and keep her from going into the home she owned, which led to a standoff between the man and the SWAT team, the city's police department said.
Prescott police officers responded to reports of a domestic disturbance at a home near Montezuma and Sheldon streets in Prescott around 4:15 p.m. on July 30. When officers got to the home, they learned 33-year-old Anthony Cullum allegedly threatened his ex-girlfriend with a machete when she went into her home to get diapers for their infant.
The woman told police she had been staying with friends due to Cullum's erratic behavior and the damage he caused to the home, including cutting a hole in the roof to allow his access from inside, Prescott police said in a statement.
Cullum left the home before police got there, but an officer saw him near Willis and Cortez streets and attempted to pull him over. Cullum did not stop and left the scene at high speed on his motorcycle, police said.
Cullum returned to the house where officers tried to de-escalate the situation, but he allegedly began to threaten the officers, saying he would "shoot it out" with them and that the house was "booby-trapped," police said.
Police said they could see a rifle on the roof of the home next to Cullum's "access hole" and several security cameras, including one on the roof.
The Prescott SWAT team was called in because of Cullum's "erratic behavior, threats, as well as the serious nature of his crimes," police said. Thirty-one SWAT team members served a search warrant on the house on July 31.
Police tried again to get Cullum to surrender voluntarily, but he continued to disobey commands to exit the home. Chemical agents were used inside the house and Cullum left the house after, continuing not to listen to commands from officers, police said.
Police then used a "less lethal baton" and a Prescott Valley K9. Cullum was taken into custody without any further incident, police said.
Cullum is facing felony charges of criminal damage, flight from law enforcement and resisting arrest, as well as additional charges related to the original domestic violence call.
Police did not say what led up to this incident or give any further details regarding Cullum's ex-girlfriend or their infant child.
Cullum was out on bond for previous charges he was facing including theft of motor vehicles, aggravated assault on law enforcement and resisting arrest, police said.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
