AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) – Yesterday, May 28, 2025, at 12:03 pm, Deputies from the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) went to a location in the 100 block of Scenic Highway in Churchville to attempt warrant service on a wanted subject. As deputies arrived at the residence, they observed a male, later identified as the homeowner. emerge from the residence to look at the fully uniformed deputies who were in marked police vehicles as they approached. The male proceeded to re-enter his residence as deputies exited their vehicles to make contact.

According to the ACSO, as deputies began to approach the residence on foot, the male homeowner emerged carrying a 12-gauge shotgun and a .44 magnum revolver, and he began to point both weapons at deputies and his wife.

Deputies took cover and began to give strong voice commands to the male, later identified as Frank Ralston Swope, 38, to drop the weapons. After a short standoff, Swope went back into his residence and then re-emerged outside, unarmed, where he was taken into custody without further incident.

Deputies soon discovered that Swope was intoxicated. A loaded shotgun and a loaded .44 magnum revolver were recovered, and Swope was arrested and charged with 4 counts of Pointing, holding, or brandishing a firearm, 4 counts of Assault on Law Enforcement and 1 count of Public Intoxication.

Swope is being held at the Middle River Regional Jail without bond.

Sheriff Donald Smith stated in a release, “I am thankful that no shots were fired and that Mr. Swope, his wife, and no deputies were harmed in this rapidly escalating and potentially deadly incident. I commend my deputies for their professionalism and restraint.”