Domestic Dispute Led To M.V. Standoff
Refusing to surrender to charges that he assaulted his wife, a knife-wielding man allegedly locked himself and his fouryear old son inside their Middle Village home on Sunday morning, Jan. 13, leading to an hour-long standoff and a large response by police, it was reported.
Johnny Mejia, 36, gave himself up without further incident following the siege at his home on 62nd Drive between 70th and 71st streets on Sunday morning. His son was not harmed, police stated.
Reportedly, the trouble began at around 6:15 a.m. Sunday, when officers from the 104th Precinct responded to a call regarding a domestic dispute at the 62nd Drive home.
Upon their arrival, law enforcement sources said, the responding officers learned that Mejia allegedly assaulted his 38-year-old wife after they became embroiled in an argument. The wife reportedly left the location after police arrived.
Police said the officers then entered the residence and were met by Mejia, who appeared to be intoxicated and allegedly made threatening statements to the officers.
Moments later, authorities noted, Mejia allegedly locked himself inside the apartment and refused to come out. As the officers attempted to talk him into opening the door, it was reported, the suspect allegedly opened the door a crack.
Police sources said the officers observed through the opening Mejia holding a knife in one hand and his four-year-old son in the other hand.
Realizing that the suspect was armed, the officers reportedly called for additional units to respond to the incident. Members of the NYPD Emergency Services Unit and the Hostage Negotiating Team were dispatched to the location. A security perimeter was also set up around the residence.
As the additional units were en route to the home, law enforcement sources said, the 104th Precinct officers continued to communicate with Mejia.
Just before 7:25 a.m. Sunday, the Hostage Negotiating Team arrived at the location and established further contact with the suspect. Shortly thereafter, authorities said, Mejia surrendered peacefully to members of the NYPD Emergency Services Unit.
The suspect was charged with assault, criminal contempt, menacing, criminal possession of a weapon, child endangerment and harassment.
According to court records, Mejia was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on Monday, Jan. 14, before Judge Lenora Gerald, who ordered him held on $5,000 bail.
He is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 28.
