ARMED FELON WITH OUT-OF-STATE WARRANTS ARRESTED AFTER BIG PINE STANDOFF

Vincent Alexander Crossland was arrested after a seven-hour standoff with the Monroe County Sheriff Office on Big Pine Key. MCSO/Contributed

A 35-year-old Big Pine Key man, who police say was armed and had warrants for his arrest in two other states, was taken into custody after a seven-hour standoff with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office on Aug. 5.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

“I want to thank the members of the sheriff’s office for their exemplary and professional work in this incident as it was brought to an end without any injuries to the public, law enforcement, or the suspect,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “I also want to thank our Key West Police Department partners who sent members of their Special Response Team, K9 units and detectives.”  

Vincent Alexander Crossland was charged with fleeing and eluding and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. His girlfriend, Shalandra Cemone Williams, 39, of Big Pine Key, was charged with obstruction. More charges may be added as the investigation continues.

The incident began at about 8 a.m. when the sheriff’s office received information that a wanted suspect (Crossland) armed with a gun and carrying narcotics was likely in the Florida Keys. Crossland’s vehicle was spotted northbound on U.S. 1 at MM 28. Police say Crossland fled, reaching speeds of 80 mph.

Deputies said they saw Crossland throw something out of the window between South Pine and North Pine channels. A handgun owned by Williams was later recovered on the side of U.S. 1. Crossland continued north, then turned into the Avenues area of Big Pine Key. He stopped at Williams’ residence on Avenue I. Deputies saw him drop and pick up a handgun before running into the residence.

The sheriff’s office set up a perimeter. The SWAT team and crisis negotiators were called to the scene. Williams left the house and initially said she had no information on Crossland, before finally admitting that he entered the house and told her to leave.

Deputies evacuated nearby homes. Crisis negotiators attempted to make contact with Crossland via cell phone, a bull horn, a PA system, a drone, and a “throw” phone but were not successful. After several hours, SWAT team members deployed chemical agents into the home, but those attempts were also not successful.

Eventually, SWAT team members entered the home and found Crossland hiding in the attic. He was taken into custody at about 3:30 p.m. without further incident. Crossland and Williams were taken to jail. Crossland had out-of-state warrants for his arrest on charges of assault and of  possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.