TITUSVILLE, Fla. – A 22-year-old man was taken into custody Monday after police said he barricaded himself inside a residence while armed with a handgun and threatening family members.
According to a news release, Titusville police responded at 9:42 a.m. to the 4400 block of Gray Avenue following reports of the armed individual inside the home. Officers secured the family members and identified the suspect as Julius D. Castellon, 22, of Titusville.
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Detectives said they established probable cause for Castellon’s arrest, but he refused to surrender during initial phone contact with patrol officers. Castellon remained barricaded inside his residence while detectives sought an arrest warrant.
Crisis negotiators spoke with Castellon for more than three hours in an effort to convince him to surrender. When those efforts failed, the department’s SWAT team was deployed to the scene. Castellon surrendered once SWAT officers began their response, according to police.
According to the release, Castellon faces charges of aggravated assault with a firearm in a domestic violence incident and possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person subject to an injunction. He is being held at the Brevard County Detention Center without bond.
“Today’s incident involving an armed, barricaded individual ended safely thanks to the exceptional teamwork of various members of our agency, to include our Patrol Officers, SWAT Team, Crisis Negotiators, and our incredible public safety telecommunicators (dispatch). Their coordinated efforts, patience, and professionalism led to a peaceful surrender with no injuries to anyone involved” said TPD SWAT Team Commander, Sergeant Jennings.
Anyone with more information can contact Titusville police at 321-264-7800. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Line at 1-800-423-TIPS
Note: This map depicts the general area of this scene and not necessarily an exact location.