Police Blotter

Niceville man in custody following 9 hour standoff, facing multiple charges

A Niceville man is in custody and facing multiple charges following a nine-hour standoff on Wednesday with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. According to the OCSO, Deputies were called to a home on 23rd Street around 8:30am in reference to a domestic battery call. The suspect, Michael Leavins, barricaded himself inside the home and refused to […]

Jared Williams

A Niceville man is in custody and facing multiple charges following a nine-hour standoff on Wednesday with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the OCSO, Deputies were called to a home on 23rd Street around 8:30am in reference to a domestic battery call. The suspect, Michael Leavins, barricaded himself inside the home and refused to come out.

The OCSO Special Response Team and Crisis Negotiations Unit, along with other specialized units, responded and ultimately found Leavins hiding in the attic. He was taken into custody by members of the Special Response Team.

Leavins is a convicted felon but multiple firearms were recovered from the home, according to the report.

The OCSO had assistance from the Niceville Police Department, Okaloosa County EMS, Niceville and other fire departments, as well as Okaloosa Emergency Management.

No one was injured in the incident. Additional details on the charges will be released once they become available.

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Public Safety

Special response, crisis teams hold joint exercise at Camp Okaloosa in Baker

News

Body found floating behind Fort Walton Beach home identified as missing 17-year-old

Public Safety

Deputies investigate body found in waters near Fort Walton Beach

Public Safety

Dive teams, drones deployed in search for missing Shalimar swimmer

Mike Koran commented on Okaloosa County approves $3.3M for portion of Destin Crosstown Connector

“This community native and Destin resident says too many outsiders are culpable in the problems and proposed solutions plaguing residents quality of life issues. Good bye West Destin community character...”

Respond

Lisa commented on Historic ‘Inn on Destin Harbor’ hotel maintains local charm while embracing modern amenities

“I worked at Hospitality Inn in 1973-1975 when it was the only "high rise" in Destin. Learned a lot about people working as the desk clerk. Most were visiting to...”

Eileen O'Grady commented on Dawson Group acquires Stinky’s Fish Camp, Red Fish Taco in South Walton expansion

“My prayers (and whining) have been answered! So many Texans live here and need real Tex-Mex! Can’t wait!”

Misty commented on Okaloosa Schools to honor Carter’s legacy while remaining open for National Day of Mourning

“This is giving me kneeling for flag vibes. So instead of a moment of silence-which ironically, speaks volumes!, you want them to hustle. I miss old usa. Working hard usa,...”

Kar commented on Destin residents eligible for free 2025 parking passes starting Jan. 3

“Are passes given on the spot or mails to residents?”

Brian ODwyer commented on Fort Walton Beach City Manager Jeff Peters pursues Okaloosa Parks Director role

“Maybe now we can get CLEAN BATHROOMS!!! THAT needs to be a PRIORITY!!!”

Lisa Viens commented on From Publix to Photoshoots: ‘Pickles the Cat’ stars in new 2024 calendar

“DID PICKLES THE CAT PASS AWAY? IT’S BEEN POSTED ON FACEBOOK THAT SHE PASSED AWAY. PLEASE…LET US ALL KNOW. THANK YOU! EVERYONE L❤️VES PICKLES! DECEMBER 30th, 2024”

Phil commented on New $4.2 million visitor center breaks ground at Topsail Hill Preserve

“$4.2 million could be better spent. Just put up interpretive outdoor posters at the parking lot.”

Michael Farrell commented on FWC investigating reported fatal hunting incident at Eglin Range near Freeport

“Is it a hunting accident or something else. I hunted for 3 mornings and heard only 1 shot. What are the odds of this being an accident”

Karen Hulion commented on Okaloosa School District breaks ground on new Pineview School in Crestview

“How is this going to help the crowding of the high school?? This doesn’t make sense to build another elementary school/middle school when they all flow into the ONLY high...”