A tense SWAT standoff in Delray Beach ended without anyone hurt on Thursday after police say a 56-year-old man opened fire on officers, barricaded himself inside his home and later surrendered. The hours-long showdown started when officers showed up at a house on Palm Forest Drive South to serve warrants and did not wrap up until tactical units moved in during the afternoon. The suspect was ultimately taken into custody after officers entered the residence.
According to CBS12, officers had gone to the home to serve an arrest warrant, a search warrant and a DNA warrant on 56-year-old Evan Berkowitz. Police say that when they arrived, Berkowitz refused to come out, barricaded himself inside and intermittently fired rounds toward officers. That prompted the department's SWAT team to lock down the area, set up a perimeter and begin negotiations. The station reports the standoff unfolded near Linton Boulevard and South Military Trail.
SWAT breach ends standoff
WPTV reports that SWAT officers eventually rolled a tactical vehicle up to the house and used it to breach the home Thursday afternoon. According to the station, Berkowitz fired additional shots at the vehicle before surrendering. The confrontation took place in the 4200 block of Palm Forest Drive South, and no officers or nearby residents were hurt, WPTV notes. Officers arrested Berkowitz at the scene and secured the area so investigators could process evidence.
Chief praises officers
"Despite being fired upon, our officers showed tremendous restraint and discipline before safely taking the subject into custody," Delray Beach Police Chief Darrell Hunter said, according to CBS12. The department credited its training and teamwork for the way the standoff ended. Police said they will continue to investigate and to review the evidence gathered during the operation.
Charges and investigation
WPTV reports that Berkowitz already faced charges stemming from an attempted traffic stop last week and was booked on counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding and reckless driving. Investigators told the station that additional charges tied to Thursday's shooting and the standoff are expected as detectives finish reviewing the evidence. The case remains active and is set to be referred to prosecutors for formal charging decisions.
