Armed Suspect Charged After 3-Hour Standoff With Police at Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church in Melbourne
By Space Coast Daily // February 22, 2021
**UPDATE** Melbourne Police have charged the armed suspect that involved a 3-hour standoff with police Sunday morning after he battered a priest at Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church in Melbourne and brandished a firearm in front of police officers, threatening to commit suicide.
Mark Patrick Soliman, 45, from Cocoa, has been charged with the following:
Armed Kidnapping
Aggravated assault
Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
Battery
Resisting arrest
Soliman is currently in the Brevard County Jail
**PREVIOUS UPDATE** Members of the SWAT Team have taken into custody 45-year-old Mark Patrick Soliman from Cocoa after a 3-hour standoff with police.
“The incident was resolved without injury to either Mr. Soliman or members of the agency,” said Lt. Shawn Eising of the Melbourne Police Department.
Detectives are on scene conducting interviews.
Charges against Soliman are pending as police continue their investigation.
Stay tuned to Space Coast Daily for updates
Original Story
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Melbourne Police and a SWAT team are currently on the scene of a suicidal suspect Sunday morning at Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church in Melbourne after the suspect battered one of the priests and showed a firearm at police when officers arrived.
The incident happened around 7:45 a.m. at Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church located on 1653 Guava Ave. when a disturbance occurred between church officials and the individual.
“The disturbance turned violent with the suspect battering one of the priests,” said Lt. Shawn Eising of the Melbourne Police Department.
“Officers arrived on scene as the suspect brandished a firearm.”
Police then acted quickly to distract the suspect long enough for the church members to flee the area.
The suspect barricaded himself just outside the front door of the church and threatened suicide, according to police.
A perimeter was established and the suspect has been contained to the entrance of the church.
SWAT team and Crisis Negotiation Unit members are on the scene negotiating with the suspect at this time.
Police are urging people to avoid the area.
Anyone with information about this case are encouraged to contact the Melbourne Police Department at 321- 608-66731.
If you have information and wish to remain anonymous, please call CrimeLine at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477) to speak to a live call taker. You will still be completely anonymous and be eligible for a reward.
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