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 […]

Jared Williams

Add Get The Coast on Google

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.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Public Safety

Okaloosa County’s Major Kevin Kirkpatrick graduates from FBI National Academy

Public Safety

Human remains found near Stillwell Boulevard in Crestview, sheriff’s office investigating

Public Safety

Okaloosa Sheriff warns ‘Crab Island Takeover’ promoters of criminal, financial liability

School

Kids Tag Art program celebrates Okaloosa County student winners in 13th year

Joseph commented on Okaloosa Commissioners approve conceptual plan for new Shalimar Bridge Park

“I bet you're fun at parties.”

Respond

Jimmy DuBose commented on DeSantis signs state budget; here’s what was funded and vetoed in Okaloosa County

“Seems like Crestview took the hit in regard to cuts. Why are our projects less important OR are our representatives asleep while others get their funds?????”

Joe P Skelly, M.S., L.M.H.C. commented on Bridgeway Center honors Larry McFarland for 40 years of service

“Larry, hard to believe that 4 decades have passed since you began this journey. As always, your compassion emerges as a beacon for us all.”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: June 30, 2026

“0.19, 3 attempts. Got lucky!”

W Taylor commented on DeSantis signs state budget; here’s what was funded and vetoed in Okaloosa County

“Think about how much could’ve been done with the $84m the state spent on a few acres of sand on Holiday Isle. What a boondoggle!”

Michael Cobb commented on WordroW: June 30, 2026

“1:32”

John commented on Fort Walton Beach City Council approves Steamboat Landing demolition

“Outrageous! Now tell us the real story, major owners names, listing and selling agents, and who is the purchaser...why was this left out? Which ones are relatives of the mayor...”

Denise commented on Fort Walton Beach City Council approves Steamboat Landing demolition

“I concur. As a private citizen and potential buyer, if I chose to purchase property with the need for demolition, I’d be required to work out price with the owner,...”

JHV commented on Fort Walton Beach City Council approves Steamboat Landing demolition

“Agreed. Why are we spending public money so that someone will buy the property and exclude the public from it.”

Paul Wheeler commented on Fort Walton Beach City Council approves Steamboat Landing demolition

“So it’s good ole boy projects like this that’s causing the property taxes to go up. Is this why the city can’t afford to cut the grass at some local...”