Standoff ends in Daytona Beach

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - A standoff between an armed man and Daytona Beach Police officers has come to an end. Romel Diaz, 20, surrendered to authorities shortly before 7:45 p.m. at a house on Boulder Drive, just of South Nova Road. Diaz was transported to a Daytona Police station for questioning.

A motorcycle officer responded to shots being fired into the air by a man at the Palm Garden Apartments in Daytona Beach around 3:30 p.m. When the officer attempted to question the man, later identified as Diaz, he sped away in a car, firing shots at the officer.

Investigators said Diaz ran into a duplex on Boulder Drive, startling a family which was inside the home. An officer managed to rescue the family, avoiding a hostage situation.
Diaz was barricaded in the master bedroom of the apartment for nearly four hours before surrendering. No injuries were reported.

Very little information has been released about Diaz, but investigators said he is enrolled at Daytona State College and has a record carrying at least one misdemeanor charge. Investigators did not elaborate on that charge.

FOX 35 has a crew on scene and we will bring you updates on this developing story on MyFoxOrlando.com. We will also have an update during FOX 35 news at 10 p.m.