MADERA – The Madera County Sheriff’s Department reports a felon with a history of violence is off the streets after a seven-hour standoff in the city of Madera. Francisco Javier Bautista (33) is now in custody following his arrest which involved more than two dozen officers from at least three different agencies.

Shortly after 4:00 pm on Thursday, the Madera County Narcotics Enforcement Team (MADNET) attempted to serve a search warrant at a residence in the 1400 block of West Fourth Street in the city of Madera and to take Bautista into custody. Bautista was previously wanted on two felony warrants for recklessly evading a peace officer. According to Madera County Sheriff Jay Varney, this raid was an attempt to avoid another dangerous situation on the road.

Upon arrival at the scene, Bautista, who is known to possess firearms and has a violent criminal history, barricaded himself inside the residence. The Madera County Regional SWAT team responded and other occupants in the house were evacuated. Several attempts were made to coax Bautista outside, including the deployment of tear gas. After seven hours, he exited the residence, surrendered, and was placed into custody.

Bautista was evaluated by emergency medical personnel and transported to the Madera County Department of Corrections without further incident. He will be booked on eight counts including the two previous felony charges of evading. The Madera County Sheriff’s Department is expecting the possibility of additional charges being added pending further investigation.

Kirk Fitzgerald (58), an occupant of the residence, was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and was also transported to Madera County Department of Corrections but has since been released.

The Madera County Sheriff’s Department would not release the nature of the search warrant at this time. No law enforcement officers were injured in this incident.