Hours-Long Standoff in Braden Castle Park Ends Peacefully with Suspect in Custody
An hours-long standoff in the Braden Castle Park neighborhood concluded Monday morning peacefully following a coordinated law enforcement response involving multiple agencies and specialized units.
According to the Bradenton Police Department, officers initially responded Sunday night to a reported domestic incident involving Christopher Liebeck, who resides with his 87-year-old stepfather in the Braden Castle Park area.
Authorities said the elderly victim called 911 from a neighbor’s home after reporting that Liebeck physically attacked him, threatened to harm others, took his phone, and possessed multiple firearms. The victim agreed to remain at a neighbor’s residence while officers investigated the incident.
Following the report, detectives secured arrest warrants for Liebeck. When officers attempted to take him into custody, he refused to exit the home, prompting an escalated response early Monday morning.
The department deployed its Hostage Negotiation Team, SWAT Team, Drone Unit, and detectives. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office assisted with K9 and SWAT teams to support the operation.
Negotiators established communication with Liebeck while drones monitored the residence from above and tactical units staged nearby. After several conversations with negotiators, Liebeck agreed to surrender without further incident.
He is charged with aggravated assault, battery on a person 65 or older, and deprivation of 911. No additional injuries were reported, and authorities confirmed the situation was resolved without further threat to the surrounding community.
