Houston, TX — An hours-long SWAT standoff in north Houston took an unusual turn when officers sent a drone into an apartment and found the suspect asleep inside, according to the Houston Police Department.
Police identified the suspect as 44-year-old Joe Luis. The incident began after a woman who was allegedly being held against her will at an apartment complex near East Crosstimbers and Fulton streets contacted a victim services officer for help.
Investigators said Luis had an active warrant involving allegations of family violence, assault and strangulation against the woman.
Police said Luis' mother, Margarita Rodriguez, initially told responding officers that Luis and the woman were not inside the apartment. Officers later determined they were inside.
Rodriguez and the woman eventually exited safely, but Luis remained inside and was believed to have a gun. SWAT was called after police said he repeatedly refused to surrender.
After several hours, officers broke a window and deployed a drone inside — where they found Luis asleep.
Officers woke him and continued efforts to get him to surrender. Police said Luis became combative after coming outside, and officers used a Taser before taking him into custody.
No injuries were reported during the standoff.
Luis is charged with making a terroristic threat. Rodriguez was also arrested and charged with hindering apprehension.
Charges are accusations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.