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Clewiston police respond to armed barricaded subject
Special to Lake Okeechobee News
Posted 3/27/26
The Clewiston Police Department (CPD) is investigating an armed confrontation and subsequent standoff involving a local resident that began in the early morning …
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Clewiston police respond to armed barricaded subject
Posted
Special to Lake Okeechobee News
Photo by Richard Marion/Lake Okeechobee News
CLEWISTON — The Clewiston Police Department (CPD) is investigating an armed confrontation and subsequent standoff involving a local resident that began in the early morning on March 27..
At approximately 4:00 AM, CPD Officers responded to Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, located at 504 E Sugarland Hwy, after reports that Carlos Benavides, 37, was trespassing and threatening employees with a white handled blade.
Upon arrival, an officer observed Benavides brandishing the weapon before he retreated into his residence and barricaded himself inside. This followed an earlier disturbance at 12:12 AM, where CPD Officers responded to reports of Benavides harassing staff and attempting to enter the restaurant in an employee shirt.
Following a nearly two hour attempt by CPD Officers to negotiate a peaceful surrender via a PA system, the Hendry County SWAT Team was able to safely take Benavides into custody.
Benavides was initially transported to the Hendry Regional Medical Center for evaluation. Once medically cleared, he was transported to the Hendry County Jail. He now faces multiple felony charges, including Aggravated Assault, Armed Trespassing, and Resisting Officers with Violence.
The Clewiston Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to our residents for their patience and cooperation during this morning’s activity. We especially want to thank the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office and the Hendry County SWAT Team for their invaluable partnership and professional support. Their assistance was instrumental in bringing this dangerous situation to a safe conclusion for all involved.
This remains an active investigation. All media inquiries should be directed to our Public Information Officer:
Commander Jon Folbrecht
Phone: 863-983-1474 ext 205
jonathan.folbrecht@clewiston-fl.gov
Any questions regarding the Hendry County SWAT Team should be directed to the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office at 863-674-5600.
