A suspect is in custody following an overnight barricade scene that involved shots fired, helicopter and SWAT presence, and a house fire.
Charlotte County deputies responded to a home near Pasadena Drive and Maryland Avenue Monday night as a man was seen barricading himself. According to Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, the suspect’s family members called 911 after he threatened to kill his family and law enforcement officers.
A Gulf Coast News crew at the scene saw a man pacing in and out of the home, a car on fire in the front, and flames burning at the back of the home as deputies converged. Deputies were heard speaking to the man
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene at 7:59 p.m. Monday night, with SWAT units arriving at 8:13 p.m.
SWAT crews approached the barricaded man inside the home, ordering any occupants inside the home to exit the front door with their hands up. The suspect fired shots at armored vehicles, Prummell said.
Neighbors say they saw the man pour gasoline over a car parked in the driveway and set it on fire before lighting up a pile of clothes in the backyard around 9:45 p.m. Monday.
On Tuesday morning, deputies asked residents in the area to remain in their homes until further notice. A Gulf Coast News crew on the scene reported hearing shots fired shortly after 4 a.m.
A helicopter has also begun circling the area, and deputies have put crime scene tape up.
Prummell said that at around 6:20 a.m. Tuesday, the suspect fired shots at two deputies from his backyard. Neither deputy was injured.
At around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, Gulf Coast News crews on the scene reported seeing large plumes of black smoke coming out of the home, as a house fire had ignited.
At around 6:50 a.m., Gulf Coast News crews reported seeing a man exit the home with his hands up. Prummell said the suspect surrendered.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the scene has been secured and the suspect, identified as Renel Joseph, is in custody.
Joseph is a previously convicted felon, and Prummell said CCSO is working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to confirm information regarding Joseph’s immigration status.
The suspect was shot in the hand and is currently in surgery, Prummell said. How the suspect sustained the gunshot wound is currently unknown.
Deputies are still unable to enter the home to conduct an investigation due to the smell of gas.
Watch the full news conference with Sheriff Prummell below:
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