Man arrested for attacking victims with chain in Boulder

In a string of violent incidents that occurred in Boulder, Colorado, between June 26 and June 27, 2025, a 28-year-old man named Joshua Swartwout was arrested for allegedly using a chain to assault multiple victims. According to police reports, the first incident took place around 4 a.m. on June 26, near Broadway and Arapahoe. Subsequently, as police responded to calls about a man wielding a chain, more victims were identified. Victims reported that Swartwout used a thick chain, typically associated with securing bicycles, both to strike and threaten them. The police received additional reports throughout the morning, including one from a victim whose bicycle was struck by the assailant. The suspect was last seen fleeing on a bicycle before law enforcement could apprehend him. Several incidents were documented over the course of two days, leading to a total of ten identified victims, including seven women and one man. While none of the victims sustained serious injuries, the assaults were alarming and included various degrees of aggression; in some instances, the suspect struck the victims with the chain, while in other cases, it was swung threateningly. Statements made by the suspect during these altercations revealed a troubling pattern of behavior, in which he made bizarre and menacing comments. Investigators noted that Swartwout allegedly made derogatory remarks and threats towards his victims. Boulder police reported that they recovered multiple chains from Swartwout upon his arrest and that he has been charged with a range of serious offenses including second-degree assault, felony menacing, and criminal mischief among others. In total, law enforcement is investigating at least ten reports stemming from the incidents of June 26 and 27. While many of the victims did not require medical attention, the psychological impact of such assaults cannot be ignored. Many of those involved are likely to endure emotional scars as a result of their encounters with Swartwout. The police are keen to speak to anyone else who might have witnessed the assaults or has additional information regarding Swartwout's activities during that period. Swartwout's preliminary hearing was set for the next available court date, where he was expected to face the consequences of his alleged actions. Members of the community have expressed their concern over the series of attacks and called for greater safety measures in Boulder to prevent any similar incidents in the future. The Boulder Police Department has urged anyone with information regarding these incidents to come forward, indicating the community's collective desire for justice and safer streets for residents.