Domestic Violence Suspect Arrested After Standoff

Franklin Ortiz - Photo from PCSO

Pinellas Park, Fla. (970 WFLA) - Police arrested a domestic violence suspect after he barricaded himself inside an apartment Christmas day, police said.

Franklin Ortiz, 34, had gone to the home of his estranged wife and smacked her during an argument, according to a news release from Pinellas Park Police.

Ortiz took his wife's cell phone at knife point and smashed it, then sexually assaulted her and ordered her to leave her home, the release said.

She and child who visiting the home left and she and called police.

Ortiz drank insect poison, cut himself with a knife and refused to surrender when police arrived. They called a SWAT team, but a patrol sergeant who was a former crisis negotiator managed to talk Ortiz out of the apartment before they arrived. Police did not release the address, saying it was to protect the victim's identity.

Ortiz faces charges of aggravated assault and sexual battery.


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