AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) – On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at approximately 3:30 PM, deputies from the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic incident on Bright Lane in Stuarts Draft. Upon arrival, deputies identified the male suspect as Deonte L. Harris, 35, of Stuarts Draft. At the time, Mr. Harris was wanted on two counts of 18.2-57.2 domestic assault and battery and an emergency protective order.

When deputies approached Harris, he retreated into his apartment and barricaded himself, refusing to exit. Given reports that Harris had access to multiple firearms, a perimeter was established, and the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office SWAT and Negotiations Teams were deployed to the scene.

After approximately two and a half hours of negotiations, Mr. Harris surrendered peacefully to deputies without incident.

“This was an isolated domestic violence incident that required a measured and strategic response,” said Sheriff Donald L. Smith in a press release. “I’m proud of our deputies and support teams for their professionalism and dedication to ensuring the safety of everyone involved.”

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office extends our gratitude and appreciation to the Emergency Communications Center (ECC), Animal Control, and Augusta County Fire and Rescue for their invaluable assistance during this incident.

A search warrant was conducted at the apartment once Mr. Harris was taken into custody. Deonte Harris was charged with the following:

  • 3 counts of 18.2-308.2 Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
  • 3 counts of 18.2-308.4 Possession of a Firearm While Unlawfully Possessing Schedule I/II drugs.
  • 7 counts of 18.2-308.2 Possession of Ammunition After Having Been Convicted of a Felony.
  • 18.2-250 Possession of Schedule I/II drugs
  • 18.2-460 Obstruction of Justice
  • 18.2-47 Abduction