Centralia police arrest domestic violence suspect after standoff

By The Chronicle Staff

Centralia police arrested a 27-year-old Centralia man after a report of domestic violence led to a standoff at the King Oscar Motel on Eckerson Road Friday night.

According to a news release from the Centralia Police Department, Antwuan James was booked into the Lewis County Jail on charges of making threats to kill and domestic violence.

Police responded at 8:18 p.m. Friday to a woman’s report that James had physically assaulted her and threatened to kill her.

“Officers responded to the hotel room where the attack occurred and where James was currently staying,” the police news release said. “Attempts were made to get James to come outside to the officers but he refused, stating that the officers had to come to get him and that he would fight them. A criminal history search of James revealed he had a long history of violent offenses, including domestic violence, assaults on officers and illegal firearm possession.”

According to police, given the nature of the recent incident, James’ prior history and his refusal to cooperate with officers, the Centralia Critical Response Unit (CRU) was called to assist in the arrest.

A search warrant was obtained to enter James’ hotel room and CRU prepared efforts to force him to exit the room and be taken into custody. Instead, a Centralia police negotiator managed to contact James by telephone and convince him to surrender.

This article will be updated after James makes his first court appearance.