Cocoa Beach standoff: Armed man in distress taken into custody after hours-long negotiations, police say

COCOA BEACH, Fla. - An armed man in "distress" was taken into custody after an hours-long standoff at a Cocoa Beach business that began early Monday morning, police said. 

The Cocoa Beach Police Department first responded to reports of a subject armed with a firearm in distress around midnight, June 22, before locating the man in his business in the area of 625 North Atlantic Avenue hours later. 

Police reported around 10 a.m. on Monday, June 22, that the situation had been contained. 

Just before noon, police were observed taking an individual into custody. 

How the standoff unfolded

What we know:

Around midnight, June 22, the police department received a call about a subject armed with a firearm in distress, Lt. Bill Stanley with Cocoa Beach Police reported. 

Officers searched the area in the early morning hours – ensuring everyone in the community was protected, Stanley said – before the man was found in his business at 4 a.m.

Authorities conducted hours of negotiations until 9 a.m., before calling for support from Rockledge and Cocoa Beach police department emergency response teams. 

During this time, the police conducted a tactical intervention to enter the building and safely take the subject into custody, Stanley said.  

"At no time was there ever a threat to anybody in the community or any other business," Lt. Stanley emphasized during a press briefing.

Photos: Multiple agencies on scene

What we don't know:

Identity and charges: Citing an ongoing investigation, police have not publicly released the man's name or announced what specific charges he might face.

Weapons and business name: Officials have not confirmed if a firearm was recovered or disclosed the exact name of the business involved.

The threats: While Stanley did not state whether the man actively threatened officers or bystanders, he re-confirmed that the individual was armed and appeared to be a threat to himself.

Traffic conditions, active investigation

Residents and commuters traveling near North Atlantic Avenue can expect a heavy law enforcement footprint throughout the morning.

Officers set up a perimeter to ensure safety for the public, Stanley said, as other businesses were beginning to open up.