SWAT and negotiation teams were called to assist in the arrest of a man accused of kidnapping and domestic violence, the Cottonwood Police Department said.
Just before 7 a.m. on the morning of Thursday, Sept. 2, Cottonwood police officers responded to a request for a welfare check at a residence on the 100 block of S. Ninth St. The request was made by someone who was concerned that there was a domestic dispute taking place at the home.
One of the residents, 33-year-old Devin Lee Sprecher, of Cottonwood, was already known to police as he had been involved in an unrelated incident on Thursday, Aug. 26. In that situation, Sprecher was arrested and received a weapons charge involving a gun and allegedly threatening and intimidating a victim in a domestic violence incident.
Following that arrest, Sprecher was booked into Yavapai County Detention Center in Camp Verde. He was released on court-ordered conditions, including instructions to stay away from the residence in question.
Upon arrival at the Ninth Street scene on Sept. 2, officers met the adult female occupant of the house, who reportedly ran to them for safety. She recounted to police that a domestic violence incident allegedly began around 10 p.m. Sept. 1 when Sprecher had allegedly entered the home without permission.
“He was not invited and was court-ordered not to be there. It is his primary residence, so he used his key [to get in],” Cottonwood Police Sgt. Chad Sinn said.
Sprecher allegedly held the woman against her will and repeatedly assaulted her throughout the night. The victim reportedly received several non-threatening injuries as a result of the assault.
On scene, police called for Sprecher to come out of the house, but he reportedly refused. Because of his refusal to comply, and because of his history of violence, the Verde Valley SWAT unit and Negotiations Team were called in to assist.
After several hours of negotiating, the SWAT unit deployed flash-bang explosives and Sprecher exited the residence. He was arrested and again booked into the Yavapai County Detention Center on multiple felonies related to domestic violence and kidnapping.
After the suspect was out of the house, a Cottonwood Criminal Investigations Unit obtained a search warrant and went through the home to collect any evidence related to the incident.
Sinn encouraged anyone dealing with domestic violence to reach out to local resources for help.
“For anyone experiencing domestic violence, the Verde Valley Sanctuary offers a 24/7 crisis line at 634-2511.
