SWAT called in to end three-hour standoff in downtown Punta Gorda (Video)
On March 22, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) learned that a wanted criminal, James Alan Currie, was spotted in their Punta Gorda, Florida, jurisdiction. The Sheriff’s Office said that the 52-year-old Currie was wanted on several charges including armed burglary, theft of a firearm, and grand theft.
Charlotte County deputies located Currie driving near U.S. 41 and Tuckers Grade in downtown Punta Gorda. After a deputy made visual confirmation that the driver of the vehicle was Currie, a felony traffic stop was attempted on the 2020 Gray GMC Sierra in the parking lot at 145 E Marion Ave.
Currie pulled into the parking lot, but then made an evasive maneuver around a fence post. He continued driving south on Herald Court and was eventually cornered in the parking lot of 103 W. Marion Avenue. Currie was given verbal commands to show his hands and exit the vehicle – which he ignored.
As the deputy held Currie at gunpoint waiting for backup, Currie was observed chugging from a Patrón Silver bottle and Bud Light can.
Deputies tried building a rapport with Currie, but he still refused to exit the vehicle. After a while, Currie began falling asleep while speaking to deputies. After a three-hour standoff, Currie started the vehicle and drove about 30 feet towards the parking lot exit before coming to a complete stop after running over a stop stick. Currie was given multiple commands to exit the vehicle.
Eventually a taser was deployed by members of SWAT and Currie was taken into custody.
Currie was taken to a local hospital due to a minor injury and transported to the Charlotte County Jail shortly after. Inside Currie’s GMC Sierra, deputies located a total of four loaded firearms including one rifle and three handguns.
“I am incredibly impressed with the professionalism, courage, tact and teamwork my deputies and PGPD Officers showed during this standoff. Being able to locate this dangerous individual so quickly while keeping the community safe was no easy feat. James Currie will now face justice in Charlotte and Collier Counties,” said Sheriff Bill Prummell.
Currie is now facing the following charges in Charlotte County:
- Operating a Motor Vehicle with a suspended/revoked driver’s license (3rd or more)
- Fail to Register Motor Vehicle
- Fleeing to Elude
- Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon x4
- Possession Ammunition by Convicted Felon x4
- DUI Influence of Alcohol Or Drugs
He was also issued a Criminal Uniform Traffic Citation for driving while license suspended, Unregistered motor vehicle, and Driving Under the Influence with a mandatory court appearance.
The Sheriff’s Office has provided a video of the standoff. See below.
(Source and James Alan Currie booking photo: Collier County Sheriff’s Office)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
