Ventura Man In Custody Following SWAT Standoff Prompted By Alleged Domestic Dispute

VENTURA (CBSLA.com) — A 49-year-old man was in custody Wednesday for allegedly holding his estranged wife against her will during a standoff with police.

Around 2:33 p.m. Tuesday, police learned that Anthony Duarte and his estranged wife were possibly involved in a domestic dispute, and were sent to the 10400 block of Darling Road.

According to the Ventura Police Department, officers learned Duarte allegedly hit the woman previously, but the incident was never reported to officials.

Officials explained a domestic violence restraining order, along with a move out order, needed to be served against Duarte in relation to the alleged battery.

When police arrived to the scene, they made several attempts to have the victim leave the residence so they could check on her welfare.

More than an hour later, she exited the home and told officers that Duarte was inside.

A preliminary investigation revealed that he is a post release offender with a violent criminal history, authorities said.

Around 5:15 p.m., a SWAT team was sent to the scene to assist with the investigation.

Police said Duarte refused to acknowledge officers' attempts to speak while he hid inside the home for several hours.

Shortly after midnight, authorities deployed tear gas into the home, which subsequently led Duarte to safely surrender to police.

He was taken into custody around 12:58 a.m.

Duarte is being held on suspicion of spousal abuse and false imprisonment at the Ventura County Jail, police said.

The investigation is ongoing.

No injuries were reported.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Ventura Police Department at (805) 339-4309.