10/16/2026
Cullman Police Department Responds to Domestic Violence Incident Involving Armed Suspect:
At approximately 10:50 a.m. this morning, Cullman Police Department officers responded to a domestic violence call near the 1700 block of 3rd Avenue SW in Cullman.
Upon arrival, officers encountered an elderly male victim who exited the residence with visible injuries. Officers were advised that the victim’s elderly wife and their son remained inside the home and that the son was armed. Recognizing the potential danger to those inside the residence, responding officers immediately began coordinating resources and developing a plan to bring the situation to a safe resolution.
The incident quickly developed into a coordinated multi-agency response involving the Cullman Police Department’s patrol officers, investigators, negotiators, and Tactical Unit, along with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Cullman Fire and Rescue, Cullman EMS, and Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker.
Each agency played an important role in the response, working together to address the evolving situation, protect those involved, and support the safe resolution of the incident. Communication and coordination among the responding personnel remained essential throughout the operation as officers worked to resolve the situation while minimizing the risk of injury.
A Cullman Police Department negotiator established contact with the male suspect, identified as Jonathan Patrick Young, who confirmed that he was armed and refused to exit the residence. Negotiators continued working to establish communication with Young while officers and tactical personnel maintained a coordinated response to protect the victims, responding personnel, and the surrounding community.
As negotiations continued, the Cullman Police Department Tactical Unit successfully and safely retrieved the elderly female from the residence. She was then placed in the care of Cullman EMS for medical evaluation and assistance.
As the incident continued, the Cullman Police Department also coordinated the surrender of Young. Young exited the residence and surrendered to officers without incident.
The incident concluded without further confrontation during the suspect’s surrender. The outcome highlights the importance of communication, patience, specialized training, and cooperation among law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, fire and rescue personnel, and other public safety partners during complex and potentially dangerous incidents.
The Cullman Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, ALEA, Cullman Fire and Rescue, Cullman EMS, Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker, the Cullman Power Board, and all personnel who assisted during this response. The willingness of these agencies and partners to work together was instrumental in managing the incident and safely bringing it to a conclusion.
Young has been charged with:
-Elder Abuse and Neglect in the Second Degree
-Making a Terroristic Threat in the First Degree -
-Kidnapping in the Second Degree.
Investigators are continuing to process the scene and conduct their investigation. No additional information will be released at this time.
The Cullman Police Department thanks all agencies and personnel involved for their professionalism, cooperation, and commitment to protecting the citizens of Cullman.
The Cullman Police Department would also like thank Cullman Power Board for their assistance and would also like to extend a special thank you to Chick-fil-A for generously providing meals for the personnel involved in this incident.
