SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

Standoff in Pace Ends in Armed Suspect's Safe Arrest

On March 23, 2007 at approximately 2034 hours, Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office deputies were dispatched to Hwy 90 and Chantilly Way, Pace, FL, to meet with a woman regarding a complaint of her boyfriend threatening harm to himself and her inside of his residence which was located at 5617 Ridge Avenue, Pace, FL. When deputies arrived, they spoke with the girlfriend concerning the incident. She stated that while she was at the house earlier, the suspect, Myles Miciotto (48 years old) became upset and made statements that he was going to kill her, himself, and the dog. While making these statements, Miciotto was holding a small caliber handgun. The girlfriend then fled the house and called deputies. While deputies were speaking to the girlfriend, Sheriff's Office dispatchers were able to make telephone contact with Miciotto. Miciotto stated that he would shoot anyone that attempted to approach the residence. Due to this, deputies established a perimeter around Miciotto's residence and SWAT and Crisis Negotiators were called to the scene. Deputies were able to observe Miciotto inside his residence consuming beer while holding a small caliber handgun. Negotiators tried to make contact with Miciotto, but he took his telephone off of the hook and refused to talk to negotiators. While SWAT maintained the perimeter, a warrant was issued by a judge for Miciotto for the below mentioned charges. The standoff lasted for almost seven hours and ended after SWAT entered the residence and were able to take Miciotto into custody without incident. The firearm was also located. Miciotto was arrested and transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail. A mugshot of Miciotto is attached to this email.

SUSPECT:

Myles Burns Miciotto, W/M, 48 years old

5617 Ridge Avenue, Pace, FL

CHARGES:

Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Domestic Violence), 3rd degree felony

Use of a Firearm Under the Influence of Alcohol, 2nd degree Misdemeanor

NO BOND

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

850-981-2136

850-698-4441