JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A body was found on the property of a Sandalwood home that was surrounded by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office SWAT team for hours after a man barricaded himself inside Friday afternoon, police said.
The Sheriff's Office announced late Friday evening that the man inside the home on Cavalry Boulevard had been taken to an area hospital, and detectives had started investigating the death.
Officers initially responded about 2 p.m. to a report of a domestic dispute at the house on Cavalry Boulevard, off Alden Road.
Sheriff's Office Lt. Steve Mullen said a man called police, saying he'd had an argument with his wife and was distraught.
When officers arrived, Mullen said, the man threatened to harm himself and officers, then retreated into the house. Police said the man also claimed to have taken prescription pills.
About 3:30 p.m., the Sheriff's Office SWAT team was called. Mullen said the SWAT team made phone contact with the man but that ceased at one point.
IMAGES: SWAT team, police respond to Sandalwood neighborhood
As of 5:30 p.m., police said, the man was in the house alone, and his preteen son was safe and with grandparents.
"I know that family very well, even their son comes and plays with my son all the time, and I've never seen any suspicious things like arguing or anything," neighbor and family friend Olsi Fero said. "I hope for the best."
About an hour later, police said, the man came out of the house, was taken into custody and then to the hospital to receive help.
While officers were on the property, a body was discovered, according to the Sheriff's Office. It's unclear when and where the body was found.
"It is undetermined at this time the situation involved," JSO Public Information Officer Melissa Bujeda said in a news release sent at 10:50 p.m. "We are at the early stages of this active investigation."
Police had said earlier in the evening that they didn't know the location of the man's wife, and they'd had no contact with her.
Officers have not released the names of those involved, but News4Jax learned that the man's wife filed for divorce in April. According to a petition for dissolution of marriage, the couple had been married for 20 years.
"I mean, they seem like nice people," neighbor Dylan Jackson said. "They’re all really nice. The mom is super nice, especially."
A neighbor named Susan said the SWAT team was outside her close friend's house.
"It's a little scary. But I can’t imagine being in any country you would have to handle this kind of situation by yourself. Here’s our law enforcement protecting us," she said.
Neighbors were evacuated, but were later allowed to return to their homes.
The medical examiner could be seen leaving the scene just after 10 p.m.
The Sheriff's Office continues to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call JSO at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.
An ambulance also just left the scene. @wjxt4 pic.twitter.com/SV8kojzYWP
— Corley Peel (@WJXT_CorleyPeel) June 15, 2018