Adairsville Police Department officers were dispatched to the Adairsville Arms Apartments on Monday in reference to a physical domestic dispute.  When officers arrived they 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 then told officers that 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, 26, had gotten into an argument and that he 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 Lira then pointed a 9mm handgun at her while they were arguing. She also stated that on Sunday 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 attempted to knock on the door to speak with Lira, however, he refused to open the door or communicate with authorities. The victim then began speaking with 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 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, 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.

Lira is charged with aggravated assault by strangulation, pointing or aiming a gun at another, and cruelty to children in the third degree.