Man in Custody After SWAT Standoff in Fort Lauderdale

Man facing domestic violence charges after hours-long standoff ends

A man was taken into custody on domestic violence charges early Thursday after an argument with his girlfriend led to an hours-long standoff in Fort Lauderdale.

William Graham, 56, was arrested on charges of domestic violence strangulation, aggravated assault, simple battery and false imprisonment following the incident at the home in the 1100 block of Northwest 11th Court, Fort Lauderdale Police said.

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Police say Graham and his 36-year-old girlfriend had been involved in a physical dispute before the woman was able to leave the home and call police.

When officers arrived, Graham refused to leave the home. Hours later and after a SWAT team responded to the home, Graham surrendered peacefully around 2 a.m., police said.

The woman's aunt said Graham beat and strangled her as he tried to kill her.

"I didn't like the fact that, you know, he dragged this thing out so long," Roxie Beauford said. "He knew what he had done was wrong, and he needs to be punished for it. He has no business putting his hands on anybody, I didn't like it at all."

Graham was booked into the Broward main jail, and it was unknown whether he has an attorney.

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