Kelso, WA – Deputies in Cowlitz County arrested a man Thursday afternoon following a tense domestic violence incident that prompted a SWAT response on Mt. Pleasant Road.
According to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, dispatchers received a 911 call around 12:02 p.m. on January 9, 2026, reporting an assault in progress. The caller told authorities that she had been assaulted by her husband, and dispatchers could reportedly hear the suspect yelling in the background.
Deputies arrived and safely removed the victim from the home. The suspect, identified as 63-year-old Stuart Todd Valley, allegedly refused to leave the residence despite being told he was under arrest. Deputies say Valley yelled threats, made obscene gestures, and warned that “everyone’s safety was in jeopardy.”
Authorities later learned the suspect may have had a rifle inside the home. Based on those reports, Lower Columbia SWAT was activated. At one point, Valley allegedly stepped outside but continued to refuse surrender. Deputies deployed non-lethal chemical munitions before Valley retreated inside and eventually surrendered peacefully.
Valley was booked into Cowlitz County Jail on charges of Felony Harassment, Assault 4th Degree – Domestic Violence, and Obstructing a Public Servant.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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