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Watch: Suspect barricaded in attic falls through ceiling and into the laps of Fla. SWAT officers

A suspect fled into a home after he was caught with a stolen pickup truck; Indian River County SWAT officers took the man into custody after he fell through the ceiling

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — A man suspected of stealing a vehicle was taken into custody in dramatic fashion after falling through a ceiling and into the arms of waiting SWAT officers, NBC Miami reported.

Body camera video released on Nov. 6 shows the moment a suspect crashed through the ceiling of a home where he had barricaded himself during a standoff with law enforcement.

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The incident began when a license plate reader flagged a stolen pickup truck. Investigators later learned the suspect had used the vehicle to purchase lumber from a Home Depot. The truck was tracked to a home where he was seen unloading the materials.

Authorities say the suspect fled into the residence when deputies arrived. Officers believed he was hiding in the attic and called SWAT and crisis negotiators to the scene.

After several hours, the standoff ended when the suspect fell through the ceiling. Video shows him briefly dangling before dropping to the floor, where SWAT officers in tactical gear took him into custody.

The suspect faces charges including grand theft auto and resisting an officer without violence.

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Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com