Aurora police on Wednesday morning arrested a dangerous, barricaded suspect wanted on domestic violence charges out of Federal Heights following a long standoff that shut down a busy stretch of roadway while officers worked to capture him.
Investigators called the eventual arrest of John Arthur Thomas, 45, “peaceful.”
The incident unfolded on the 3000 block of South Peoria Street, a stretch between Cornell Avenue and Parker Road near Interstate 225. Authorities said Thomas was armed, barricaded and that he had recently made threats to harm officers.
Authorities say Thomas eventually surrendered without incident at about 11 a.m. and members of the Federal Heights Police Department took him into custody.
UPDATE: SUSPECT IN CUSTODY. PEACEFUL RESOLUTION. MORE INFO TO FOLLOW
— Aurora Police Dept (@AuroraPD)
Aurora police spokesman Bill Hummel said Thomas was wanted on “pretty serious domestic violence charges.” A Federal Heights police representative could not immediately be reached Wednesday afternoon for comment.
The police department used Twitter to tell people in the area to stay indoors during the standoff, which centered around a tattoo shop where Thomas had apparently holed up.
APD @ 3000 blk S Peoria St att to arrest adult male for DV related charges avoid area suspect armed/dangerous. Updates here.
— Aurora Police Dept (@AuroraPD)
Update: Barricaded armed/dangerous suspect made threats 2 harm Officers today. No hostages,businesses evacuated. Avoid area, stay inside.
— Aurora Police Dept (@AuroraPD)
The stretch of roadway that was closed is dotted by many businesses, some of which were evacuated.
The situation began before 5 a.m. on Wednesday.
