Port St. Lucie Police Department and the crisis negotiation team responded to a scene in the 3100 block of SW Watson Court for a criminal barricaded suspect Thursday afternoon.
The suspect is 35-year-old Joshua Valdes.
According to PSLPD, "the suspect has been placed under arrest without further incident. There will still be a law enforcement presence while the search warrant is executed, but the roadways are back open."
Final Update - the suspect has been placed under arrest without further incident. There will still be a law enforcement presence while the search warrant is executed, but the roadways are back open.
— Port St. Lucie PD (@PSLPolice) July 12, 2024
We thank those in the neighborhood for their patience!
The criminal investigations division and SWAT were there to serve a search warrant and arrest warrant for an adult male in regards to several counts of child pornography. PSLPD's Assistant Chief Leo Niemczyk told WPTV's Cassandra Garcia the man faces some "serious charges that would amount to some very serious time in jail."
PSLPD On Scene of a Criminal Barricaded Suspect Incident
— Port St. Lucie PD (@PSLPolice) July 11, 2024
PSLPD SWAT and the Crisis Negotiation Team are on scene in the 3100 block of SW Watson Ct. for a criminal barricaded suspect.
There is a heavy police presence. Please avoid the area.
Media staging area is 808 SW… pic.twitter.com/QthFdqXSA3
Contact was initially made with the suspect via a knock at the door. He refused to cooperate and barricaded himself inside.
Canines, SWAT, drone unit, criminal investigations division, and crisis negotiation team are on scene. They have an armored vehicle out there, and used PSLPD's robotic dog at the scene.
They asked the suspect repeatedly over the PA to surrender. They haven’t gained any response since initial contact at around 4 p.m.