May 12th, 2020 – 1:00 PM
Adairsville Police Department –
According to information provided by the Adairsville police Department:
On Monday, May 11th, 2020 officers with the Adairsville Police Department were dispatched to the Adairsville Arms Apartments in reference to a physical domestic dispute. Upon arrival officers attempted to knock on the door of the residence when a neighbor notified them that the victim had left the residence with her juvenile children prior to their arrival. The neighbor advised she was on the phone with the victim so the officers asked her to return to the scene so they could speak with her. Once she arrived back on scene, officers then spoke with the victim to determine what had happened that day.
She stated that her and her boyfriend, Jonathan Lira born 11-24-1993 age 26, had gotten into an argument and that Mr. Lira placed his hands around her throat in an attempt to strangle her. This was witnessed by one of the victim’s juvenile children. The victim stated that Mr. Lira then pointed a 9mm handgun at her while they were arguing. She also stated that on May 10, 2020 Mr. Lira choked/strangled her during an argument. An officer with the Adairsville Police Department then took photos of the victim’s neck and face area. The victim had markings consistent with something being placed around her neck. Officers then obtained state warrants on Mr. Lira for aggravated assault by strangulation, pointing or aiming a gun at another, and cruelty to children in the third degree.
Officers then attempted to knock on the door to speak with Mr. Lira, however, he refused to open the door or communicate with Police. The victim then began speaking with Mr. Lira on the phone and he stated if the police came inside the residence, he had approximately 100 rounds of ammunition and a Taurus 9mm inside the residence. She then advised that Mr. Lira stated he would shoot at police if they entered the residence.
Chief Mike Jones made the decision to call the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team. Shortly, SWAT was notified of the situation, and quickly arrived on the scene. A few minutes after Swat arrived and assembled, Mr. Lira decided to exit the residence and was placed under arrest without any further incident. A search warrant was obtained and a Taurus 9mm handgun and approx. 100 rounds of ammunition was located hidden under the mattress in the upstairs Master Bedroom.
Chief Mike Jones would like to thank and recognize the quick and professional response by Bartow County SWAT. Mr. Lira transported to the Bartow County Jail and was charged with the following:
16-5-21(b)(3) Aggravated Assault-Strangulation
16-11-102 Pointing or Aiming Gun or Pistol at Another
16-5-70(D) Cruelty to Children 3rd Degree 3rd subsequent offense