A 24-hour standoff ended peacefully on Tuesday after a 51-year-old convicted felon walked out of his Gainesville apartment, which contained firearms and bomb-making materials, and he surrendered to law enforcement.
According to a press release from the Gainesville Police Department (GPD), a report was received on Monday, October 24 regarding an individual named James Joseph Galasso who was experiencing a mental health crisis. GPD was informed by the reportee that Galasso was in possession of firearms and a potential explosive device.
Numerous GPD officers responded to an apartment located in the 1100 block of SE 15th Street in Gainesville, and they surrounded the building. GPD stated that Special Response Groups, which consisted of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Negotiations Response Teams (NRT), also responded to the scene.
Galasso’s family members were contacted by GPD and were instructed to evacuate the apartment building for their safety. When the family members were safely outside, several attempts were made to contact Galasso inside the apartment, though law enforcement was unable to reach him.
In an effort to make contact with Galasso and to try to get his compliance, officers remained on-scene for over 24 hours.
On Tuesday, October 25, shortly after 11 a.m., the negotiations team was able to make contact with Galasso over the phone. He then proceeded to exit the apartment and surrendered.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad responded to the building and assisted with clearing the location for incendiary devices. No one else was located inside the building, but firearms and bomb-making materials were found inside Galasso’s apartment, according to GPD.
Galasso was arrested and transported to Alachua County Jail. He is facing charges for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of bomb-making materials, and child endangerment.