Categories: Palm Bay

SWAT Standoff in Palm Bay

UPDATE: A suspect who barricaded himself in his home with his live-in girlfriend surrendered peacefully following a near four-hour standoff. Emmanuel Lopez, (DOB 08/31/1983) is now facing charges of battery/domestic violence, false imprisonment and violation of a no-contact order. The female victim is being treated at the hospital for injuries suffered during the incident.

At approximately 3:30 a.m., police dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call from a neighbor who reported seeing Lopez beating his girlfriend and then dragging her into the home located in the 200-block of Medea Ave. NW.

When patrol officers arrived, they attempted to make contact with the individuals inside the home but were unsuccessful after repeated attempts. The SWAT team and crisis negotiators responded. Negotiators continued to attempt contact with the individuals inside the home.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office also responded and assisted with the deployment of a robot. A short time after the robot was deployed, the suspect surrendered peacefully without further incident. The female victim was then secured and evaluated by firefighter SWAT-medics and later taken to the hospital for further treatment of her injuries. During the incident the suspect was believed to be armed, however no weapon was displayed. The investigation is ongoing.

Earlier Story:

PALM BAY, Florida — The Palm Bay Police SWAT team and crisis negotiators are currently at the scene of a home on Medea Avenue NW in Palm Bay.

Police spokesperson Yvonne Martinez said in an email that police believe an armed man is barricaded in the home with his wife. Crisis negotiators are currently attempting to communicate with the individuals inside for a peaceful resolution.

The incident began at approximately 3:30 a .m. when neighbors called to report a disturbance involving the couple, Martinez said.