Yesterday, Antioch Police Department officers found themselves at a residence on the 50 block of East 6th Street, confronting a situation brewing with tension. As reported in a social media post by the Antioch Police Department, they had received a call concerning a family dispute at approximately 8:16 AM. Upon arrival, the officers made contact with a 25-year-old woman who had been the victim of a felony assault and had suffered injuries serious enough to necessitate transportation to a local hospital for treatment.
Efforts to engage with the suspect, one Matthew Britt, age 31, quickly devolved as he chose to barricade himself within the home, refusing all calls for him to emerge peacefully. The tense relationship between a suspect known to be armed and a police force striving to evade violence was palpable. Information gathered at the scene suggested that Britt might be armed with a knife and was no stranger to the system, with a history peppered by violent encounters and evasion of law enforcement officials.
In response to the escalating scenario, specialized units were called to the scene. The Antioch Police Department's SWAT Team, along with their Crisis Negotiations Team, employed several hours of negotiation techniques and de-escalation tactics. These measured and calm efforts bore fruit as Britt eventually surrendered to authorities without further incident, avoiding a potentially hazardous confrontation.
Following his surrender, Britt, who remained uninjured through the standoff, requested and was given a medical evaluation. He was then booked into the Contra Costa County Jail. Awaiting the decision of the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, he faces felony assault charges.
