Man taken into custody after threatening to kill deputies with a machete
MARTINSVILLE, Va. -A man was arrested after barricading himself and brandishing a machete at Henry County authorities.
This afternoon, around 3:30 in Martinsville, deputies responded to a report of a domestic attack. When they got to the house on Lake Tree Drive and got close to it, Richard Perry Swisher slammed the door shut.
As authorities attempted to enter the residence, he allegedly brandished the machete and threatened their lives.
Deputies attempted to urge Swisher to leave, but he allegedly refused and threatened to murder anybody who entered.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, constant efforts were made to get Swisher to leave the residence.
At 6:40 p.m., a tactical team from the sheriff’s office was able to get into the house and arrest Swisher.
He has been charged with domestic assault and battery; brandishing a bladed weapon with the intent to intimidate; and obstruction of justice.
Swisher has been incarcerated at the Henry County Adult Detention Center without bail.
