The Lubbock Police Department reports a SWAT situation in West Lubbock Sunday afternoon has ended peacefully and the suspect, 35-year-old Michael Ortiz, is in custody.
Another woman inside the apartment, 23-year-old Brenda Palacios was arrested on unrelated charges.
Ortiz’s 8-month old twins who were inside the apartment during the incident are safe. Child Protective services has been notified, according to LPD.
The incident began around 1:00 p.m. in the area of 34th Street and Oak Ridge Avenue.
Lubbock Police told EverythingLubbock.com the suspect reportedly fired shots a vehicle and then fled the scene.
Officers later located the suspect at the Portofino Apartments, located in the 6600 block of 34th Street. Initially, a police press release said it was unclear if Ortiz was a resident of the apartments.
Later, a representative of property said, “Brenda Palacios and Michael Ortiz are not residents of Portofino Apartments.”
Police initially said there were no indications of a hostage situation or a standoff but later a “full call out” was initiated the area of 34th Street and Oak Ridge Avenue.
Officers had secured the scene and were taking precautions to apprehend the suspect safely.
The Lubbock Police Department’s SWAT team was also dispatched due to reports the suspect was reportedly armed and dangerous.
An LPD tactical support vehicle (i.e. a BEAR) was also brought to the scene.
Roadways around the apartment complex were closed during the incident, and have since reopened.
Police still aren’t sure what caused the scene. Lt. Jon Tutino said there were “unconfirmed reports the subject may have been firing at a vehicle initially,” adding that shell casings and other evidence was found at the scene.
Our crews at the scene report the incident ended shortly before 4:00 p.m.
Stay with EverythingLubbock.com for additional updates.
