On Sunday, April 17, 2022, at 3:53 P.M., the Ashland Police Division responded to a complaint that James Sowders, 37, of Ashland, allegedly threatening to hurt his family.
Officers located Sowders at Silverstone Lake Estates armed with a knife. Sowders went under the trailer’s foundation, holding a knife to his throat and warned officers to stay away. Officers surrounded the trailer and continued talking with Sowders to surrender. Sowders eventually made his way back into the trailer, where officers continued to negotiate a peaceful resolution. The Ashland Special Response Team and hostage negotiators arrived on scene to assist. After about 4 hours, Sowders surrendered the knife and was taken into custody without a physical confrontation. He was eventually transported to the Ashland County Jail on charges of Aggravated Menacing, Domestic Violence, and Disorderly Conduct.
The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol assisted APD on this incident. APD regrets any temporary inconvenience to the immediate area and appreciates the cooperation while officers responded to this incident.