SWAT standoff ends in Fernandina Beach

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – A SWAT standoff that lasted all through the morning in Nassau County ended peacefully Wednesday, deputies said.

According to the Nassau County Sheriff's Office, William "Bill" Desmond barricaded himself inside his apartment along North 2nd Street in Fernandina Beach after threatening to hurt himself.

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Desmond, who was involved in another SWAT standoff a couple years ago, got into an argument with his girlfriend, pulled out a gun and said he was going to shoot himself, deputies said.

SWAT team members were able to talk Desmond into surrendering. He is being sent to a mental health facility for psychological evaluation, deputies said.

No one was injured in the standoff. The Sheriff's Office said a Catholic school in the area was placed on lockdown to keep the children out of harm's way.

Desmond was acquitted on all felony charges in connection with his previous SWAT standoff incident.