Man in custody after allegedly shooting at victims and a five-hour standoff

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Following a five-hour standoff early this morning in Fort Walton Beach, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department (FWBPD) has arrested Aaron K. Nano, 56, for two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and two counts of possession or use of a weapon during a crime after an armed disturbance, according to a FWBPD press release

FWBPD officers say they responded to #2 Elm Avenue SE after two victims reported they had been shot by the suspect during an argument.

One of the victims is reportedly a family member of the suspect who resides in the same Elm Ave. SE residence and the other reportedly is an acquaintance who lives nearby.

During the argument and physical disturbance, the suspect produced a handgun and fired at both victims who narrowly escaped injury, according to police.

Officers say they attempted to get the suspect to surrender but were unsuccessful. The suspect allegedly hid in a boat on the property and refused to give up.

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The Okaloosa County Multi-Jurisdictional Special Response Team was called to the scene to help resolve the incident peacefully and an arrest warrant was obtained.

The team is a combined partnership between the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), the Northwest Florida State College Police Department, FWBPD, and the OCSO Crisis Management Negotiations unit.

The suspect refused to surrender for more than five hours, according to the FWBPD. He allegedly told negotiators he was armed and actively attempted to avoid arrest.

Members of the Special Response Team located him hiding in a workshop on the property and wearing a gas mask, according to the press release. He was taken into custody without further incident.