Samurai sword-wielding suspect arrested after SWAT standoff in Chelan
Nov 12, 2025, 5:04 PM
A photo of a Chelan County Sheriff's Office vehicle. (Photo courtesy of the Chelan County Sheriff's Office)
(Photo courtesy of the Chelan County Sheriff's Office)
A 56-year-old man with two Samurai-style swords allegedly threatened a neighbor in Chelan on Tuesday and broke into their trailer.
As Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies arrived, Jose Franco Nunez was allegedly wielding both swords and screaming while acting erratically, according to KIRO 7.
Nunez reportedly ran down a hillside and entered a neighbor’s trailer by smashing several windows and making threats.
RELATED STORIES
Chelan suspect allegedly attacks personal residence with a golf club
CCSO deputies were able to guide the neighbor to safety as Nunez allegedly retreated to his own residence and smashed windows with a golf club.
The East Cascade SWAT Team responded to the scene as Nunez allegedly made threats to “blow up” law enforcement.
Nunez reportedly refused to cooperate until law enforcement shot pepper balls and made him surrender.
Nunez was charged with burglary, assault, malicious mischief, theft, and harassment with threats to kill.
Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here.
