Wolcott woman surrenders to police after six-hour standoff

The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office early Thursday morning arrested a Wolcott woman on domestic violence charges after a lengthy standoff with police. Here’s the full press release:

On Wednesday, September 18, 2019, Deputies with the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a domestic dispute that occurred in Wolcott, Colo.

When deputies arrived on scene and attempted to contact the female suspect she refused to come to the door, barricaded herself inside the residence and refused to engage in any communication with law enforcement officials. The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office was informed that the suspect may be armed and took all necessary actions to ensure the safety and security of the community and its citizens.

Valerie Johnson, age 54, was taken into custody without incident after barricading herself for nearly six hours.

Johnson was booked into the Eagle County Detention Facility on charges of 3^rd Degree Assault, Domestic Violence, Obstructing a Peace Officer and Prohibited Use of a Weapon. She is being held on a no bond hold at this time.

The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle County Special Operations Unit, Eagle Police Department, Avon Police Department, Vail Police Department, Vail Public Safety Communications Center, Colorado State Patrol, and Eagle County Paramedic Services worked collaboratively on this incident.  

If you think you may have any information about the suspects or this crime, please call the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 328-8500 or Eagle County Crime Stoppers at 970-328-7007, 1-800-972-TIPS, submit your tip online at www.tipsubmit.com, or text a tip from your cell phone by texting STOPCRIME plus your message to CRIMES (274637).  If your tip leads to the arrest and indictment of any suspect involved, you could earn up to a $1,000 reward from the Crime Stoppers.

Person’s charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law