Around 10:00, Tuesday morning, Smyrna Police Department received a call of a possible domestic situation at 507 Carter Lane in Smyrna. Jeff Joyce and his girlfriend, Cassie Hughes, were spending the night with his sister, Ashley Michelle Joyce, and her boyfriend, Jonathan Scott Ashley. Sometime Tuesday morning Mr. Joyce was awakened by screaming.

Jeff Joyce evidently decided that it was best that he and Cassie leave the home. As Mr. Joyce and Ms. Hughes attempted to leave the property they alleged that Ms. Joyce came out to the car and physically assaulted both of them. Mr. Ashley allegedly pointed a handgun at both of them threatening their life, according to Smyrna Police Chief Kevin Arnold.

Chief Arnold stated, “Our officers arrived and attempted to make contact with Mr. Ashley and Ms. Joyce. Both refused (refused contact with police) and at which point it was decided that the best option would be the SWAT team.”

Chief Arnold further stated, “Our SWAT team negotiators attempted through cell phone, public address systems, and a throw phone to get Mr. Ashley or Ms. Joyce to speak with us. Both refused. The decision was made to deploy tear gas in an attempt again to speak with us. When the tear gas was deployed Mr. Ashley and Ms. Joyce came out of the home and surrendered peacefully. Unfortunately when the tear gas canisters were deployed something ignited in the home. Smyrna Fire Department was able to put the fire out quickly.”

Jonathan Scott Ashley, 27 years of age, will be charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault. He also is facing charges from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office for Violation of Probation. Ms. Ashley Michelle Joyce, 23 years of age, will be charged with one count of Domestic Violence and one count of Simple Assault.

Source:

Kevin Arnold, Chief Of Police - Smyrna Police Department