SWAT Standoff In East Charlotte Ends With No Serious Injuries, Suspect Identified

The Latest:

The suspect who barricaded himself in a residence on Coronado Drive and held his girlfriend hostage has been identified as 46-year-old Mark Drehs.

The CMPD says officers responded to a domestic violence call on Coronado Drive at about 6:15 p.m. and the caller said a man was holding a knife to the female victim’s throat.

Arriving officers encountered a man later identified as Drehs, who stated he would kill the victim if police entered the residence.

Police say Drehs later came out of the residence with a gun and told police to shoot him.   The CMPD SWAT Team and negotiators responded to the scene.

For four hours, CMPD Negotiators attempted to de-escalate the situation, but the suspect was became agitated and threatened to kill the victim.

At about 11:00 p.m., believing  that the victim’s life was in danger, the SWAT Team made entry into the residence through the door. Mark Drehs was apprehended and the victim was rescued at that time.

Neither Drehs nor any officers were injured during his apprehension.  The female had minor injuries from being assaulted by Drehs and was transported by MEDIC to CMC-Main.

Mark Drehs has been charged with Assault by Pointing a Gun, First Degree Kidnapping, Assault on a Female and Resist Obstruct Delay.

Original Story:

CHARLOTTE, NC — A SWAT standoff is underway in east Charlotte after police responded to a domestic violence situation Friday evening.

CMPD says the male suspect is armed and has barricaded himself inside an apartment on Coronado Drive. The female victim is reportedly still inside as well.

Officials do not believe the man has harmed the woman at this time, but say they cannot be sure.

Police say they are trying to contact negotiators to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.