Involved In A Four-Hour Standoff With Manatee County, FL Deputies

The founder of Heli Aviation has been arrested following a four-hour standoff with sheriff's deputies from Manatee County, FL.

The Bradenton Herald reports that Niclas Herle (pictured) was taken into custody last Tuesday on a warrant charging him with aggravated assault. The warrant stems back to an incident which took place in May of 2019, when he allegedly pulled a pistol on a father and son looking to buy a helicopter at his business at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ). He was arrested in connection with the incident and released after posting bond.

According to the original police report, the two men were waiting in Herle's office at the airport. When he arrived, the son said he saw Herle get a pistol out of his truck and tuck it in his waistband. He immediately drew the firearm on entering his office and threatened to "put a bullet in your head" if they didn't leave.

After posting a $10,000 bond, Herle was arrested again during a domestic dispute at the airport in which he allegedly damaged a woman's vehicle. He was not supposed to be on the airport property, as he had been trespassed from the airport following the original arrest.

Herle posted bond from the second arrest, but it was revoked and a warrant for his arrest was issued Oct. 1 of last year.

Herle was located at his home, but he refused to come out when authorities arrived. He barricaded himself in the attic. Police found ammunition and body armor in the house, and the SWAT team was called.

Eventually, Herle's ex-wife arrived at the home and was able to convince him to surrender after a four-hour standoff, according to deputies. He was taken into custody on the original warrants, as well as resisting arrest without violence.

(Image provided by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office)

FMI: Source report