A woman from Allen, Lul Top, was arrested following a SWAT raid at her residence, where she allegedly attempted to place one of her children in an oven, as stated in a search warrant affidavit acquired by NBC 5.
Top, aged 36, was apprehended on Monday after a SWAT standoff at her residence on the 1500 block of Tanglewood Drive. Law enforcement officers responded to her home based on allegations of child abuse involving her six children. She is facing six counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to jail records.
Upon initial arrival to execute a search warrant and serve arrest warrants, Top retreated and barricaded herself in the attic. Following approximately two hours of negotiations and attempted communication, authorities resorted to using chemical agents, resulting in Top surrendering around 10:50 a.m.
Residents nearby stated that law enforcement officers were familiar with the residence and frequently visited. However, tensions escalated on Monday when the SWAT team intervened.
According to the affidavit, Top allegedly used a piece of wood from the door frame last month, causing bodily harm to her husband. Subsequently, forensic interviews with the children revealed that Top consumed excessive alcohol and compelled all the children to assist in finding alcohol.
One child recounted an incident where Top reportedly held a knife to their tongue, threatening to cut it off. Another child disclosed that Top attempted to place them inside an operating oven.
Neighbors expressed shock at the allegations, having frequently encountered the children but rarely the parents. William Whitney, a neighbor, described the children as “the sweetest kids ever” and found the situation unfathomable.
Court records indicate that during the police interview, Top denied inflicting harm on the children. She is currently detained at the Allen County Jail on a $600,000 bond, with her legal representation status remaining unclear.
Documents reveal that Top’s husband filed for a protective order against her last week, with a hearing scheduled for the following week.
