JSO: Man arrested for battery on pregnant woman after SWAT standoff

The quiet, gated community of Red's Gait off of Loretto Road came to a standstill Friday after dozens of SWAT officers surrounded a home following a domestic dispute.

The subdivision is right next to Loretto Elementary School but kids were not at school Friday in observance of Veterans Day.

Police showed up to the home on Reds Gait Lane at approximately 11 a.m. after getting a call.

“The officer approached the home. An individual, a female, ran out of the house. (She) seemed disheveled, screaming, very upset,” said Chris Hancock, JSO Public Information Officer.

JSO said the man was armed with a gun and was making threats.

“There is a male in the house and he does have a firearm. He's threatened to kill himself as well as her, according to the victim,” said Hancock.

The man inside the home has been identified as Thomas Matthew Lewis, 37.

The incident shut down the neighborhood and police even asked some homeowners to leave.

“They asked us to evacuate so then we just hopped the fence and went around,” said Tom Richter.

Action News Jax spotted the victim getting into a JSO squad car after the standoff ended.

Neighbors said police have shown up to Lewis’ home in the past.

“I just hope he gets help. That's the main thing,” said Richter.

After nearly three hours, Lewis surrendered without incident.

He’s now facing at least three charges including aggravated battery on a pregnant woman and battery by strangulation. Neighbors said the victim is expecting his child.

“I'm glad everything is OK and it's all over. Neighbors are happy that we can go back to our lives,” said Ken Patel, neighbor.

Lewis does not have any previous injunctions for protection against him in Duval County.

Cox Media Group