Barricaded man taken into custody, Melbourne police say

Eau Gallie Boulevard closes to traffic in area due to incident

MELBOURNE, Fla. – Melbourne police said a man who was barricaded inside a home for hours was taken into custody Friday evening.

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The incident took place Friday on West Eau Gallie Boulevard near Holland Street.

The Melbourne Police Department said it received a call at 1:06 p.m. for a sexual battery that had just occurred.

Joseph Brooks, 34, was known to the victim and was visiting at her home, police said. Brooks began acting irrationally at some point in the afternoon and approached the victim after he disrobed.

Police said Brooks then violently struck the victim, threatened her with a firearm and committed a sexual battery. The victim was able to break free and fled to a neighboring home.

Neighbors told News 6 that a woman ran from the house screaming for help.

"We called 911, the police showed up and from what we understand, he is holed up in the living room with a shotgun of some sort," resident Troy McGovern said.

Upon the officer’s arrival, Brooks refused to exit the residence, police said. The SWAT and Crisis Negotiations Unit were requested to respond, and the West Melbourne Police Department and Brevard County Sheriff's Office units also responded to assist.

Police said when protracted attempts at communicating with Brooks failed, a tactical robot with the Sheriff's Office was sent into the home and helped determine his location.

Chemical agents were introduced into the home at that point, causing Brooks' immediate compliance, police said. Brooks then exited the home and was taken into custody without incident by Melbourne SWAT. News 6 was there as he was taken into custody around 7:20 p.m.

Police said the victim received medical treatment and Brooks suffered no injury as a result of the arrest.

Brooks faces charges including sexual battery with a weapon involved and aggravated battery, police said. He is being held without bond at the Brevard County Jail Complex, according to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.

Eau Gallie Boulevard was closed to traffic for an extended period of time in the interest of community safety, police said. The roadway was opened in both directions since after 9:30 p.m.

"The Melbourne Police Department is appreciative of the community cooperation and patience during the lengthy, but successful standoff," the department said.

Stay with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates on this story.