A tense standoff in San Antonio concluded earlier today when police took a man into custody after he threatened family members with a knife and tried to set his house ablaze. The suspect, identified as Joe Cantu, 40, is facing charges of Terroristic Threats to Family and Arson of a Habitation, along with two outstanding felony warrants, as detailed in a report by FOX San Antonio.
Authorities responded to the domestic disturbance call around 11:10 p.m. today, at an intersection of West Houston Street and North San Marcos Street. News 4 San Antonio reports that upon the arrival of the officers, Cantu's family had already left the home after he brandished a kitchen knife and made threats. The suspect then commenced to fortify himself inside by breaking windows and rearranging furniture.
The situation escalated when, according to the police, Cantu was seen lighting the front room curtains on fire around 2 a.m., apparently in an attempt to destroy the building. A SWAT team was enlisted by the Special Operations Unit and dispatched, but before their arrival, officers on the scene continued their efforts to make contact with Cantu and negotiate a peaceful outcome.
Police ultimately forced entry into the home and were able to apprehend Cantu, swiftly extinguishing the fire before it could consume the structure. Following his capture, Cantu was transported to the hospital to treat minor injuries reportedly sustained while he was breaking the windows to the home, as outlined in the statement obtained by FOX San Antonio.
