LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) – A standoff has ended between Lakeland Police Department’s SWAT team and a barricaded man who was considered to be armed and dangerous.
Just before noon on Wednesday, police arrested Nelson Santiago, 44.
The SWAT team and negotiators were called to the Westlake Apartments on Hartsell Avenue after police spent several hours attempting to convince Santiago to surrender peacefully.
Officers with the Lakeland Police Department first responded to a domestic violence call at the apartments around 11 p.m. on Tuesday. A woman told police that her boyfriend, Nelson Santiago, punched her in the face during an argument and then left the apartment. Witnesses told police that Santiago had a handgun.
Lakeland police and Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies searched the area for an hour, but could not find Santiago. 30 minutes later, police received a call saying he had returned to the apartment.
Santiago was also wanted for questioning in an aggravated assault case from Dec. 26. Police say he has an extensive criminal history.