Six Hour Stand-Off With Deputies In LaBelle

LaBelle Man Barricades Self In House

LABELLE, FL. -- Deputies from Collier and Glades county assisted the Hendry county Sheriff's office in arresting a LaBelle man after a six-hour stand-off. At approximately 8:20 p.m., Thursday night, the Hendry County Sheriff's Deputies responded to 4575 South State Road 29 regarding a disturbance. The caller told Hendry dispatchers that a man was armed with a firearm.

When Deputies arrived on the scene they discovered that Debra Hernandez, age 18, and Tami Rose Jackson, age 41, both residents of this address just south of the City of LaBelle, were the victims of assault and battery. Information obtained at the scene indicated the suspect, Joseph William Castelucci, age 45 who also lives at this address, fired a gun at Hernandez and struck Jackson, either with his fist or some unknown object. Castelucci, who reportedly was intoxicated, was barricaded inside the house and was in the possession of a firearm.

After approximately six hours, Deputies entered the house and arrested Castelucci . He was charged with Aggravated Assault with A Deadly Weapon and Battery. Sheriff Ronnie Lee said Deputies from Collier and Glades Counties responded to the scene and assisted the Hendry County Sheriff's Office with the apprehension of Castelucci. Castelucci remains in the Hendry County Jail awaiting first appearance before the County Judge.