Man charged with strangulation after Hopewell Police SWAT standoff during barricade situation

HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) -- A man was arrested and is facing multiple charges after a standoff involving the Hopewell Police SWAT team at a home in Hopewell on Tuesday evening.

At 8:31 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, officers with the Hopewell Police Department responded to a home in the 3000 block of Sherwood Lane after reports of a violent domestic disturbance.

Officers were told that a male subject, later identified as Richard Lynch Jr., was inside the home, possibly armed with a gun, and had allegedly assaulted multiple people.

Police said two women, the suspect's wife and a roommate, had barricaded themselves in a bedroom while staying on the phone with 911 dispatchers.

During the emergency call, dispatchers reportedly overheard the suspect threatening to harm both women and immediately shared the information with officers.

Officers were able to safely assist both women in leaving the home through the front area, officials said. Both women reported being assaulted and were medically evaluated, according to police.

Officials said Lynch subsequently barricaded himself inside the home and refused to comply with officers' commands.

Due to the high risk nature of the situation and Lynch's alleged possession of a gun at the time, police said the Hopewell SWAT team was called in.

After what police described as a "prolonged standoff," tactical units reportedly released gas into the home. Shortly afterward, officials said Lynch surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident.

Police said Lynch was charged with felony strangulation, misdemeanor domestic assault and misdemeanor simple assault.

The Hopewell Police Department continues to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 804-541-2284.