PORT ST. LUCIE – On Friday, July 1 at approximately 12:25 am, the Port St. Lucie Police Department responded to the 4600-Block of SW Carib Street in reference to a domestic disturbance. According to authorities, a woman called 911 after her boyfriend pointed a gun at her head and threatened to shoot her. The victim was able to exit the house without injury.

Officers responded and began communicating with the suspect but he refused to exit and remained armed inside the house. After talking with the man for approximately four hours, the Port St. Lucie Police SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiation Team were able to de-escalate and peacefully resolve the situation.

33-year-old Cody Tyler Eckhardt exited the rear of the house and was taken into custody. According to city records, he is currently being held on $63,750.00 bold.

Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators executed a search warrant at the residence and found a loaded AK-47, 9mm handgun with an extended magazine, and a large amount of ammunition. Eckhardt has been charged with three counts of possession of firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.