Update: Armed Man Surrenders After Three-Hour Standoff

MILES, TX – A Ballinger man with outstanding felony warrants was taken into custody late Saturday night after barricading himself with a firearm during a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 67, according to the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office. 

Antonio Villareal Diaz, 27, brandished a firearm and held it to his head when a Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office deputy initiated a traffic stop at around 8 p.m. on Feb. 15 near FM 1692, information stated. Deputies and a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper arrived to assist, and crisis negotiators were called in to de-escalate the situation.

After more than three hours of negotiations, Diaz surrendered without incident at around 11:30 p.m., according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies secured the firearm and found 119 grams of methamphetamine inside his vehicle.

Diaz was booked into the Tom Green County Jail early Sunday on multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a controlled substance, and burglary of a building. His bond was set at $80,450.

The sheriff's office stated that Diaz had outstanding felony warrants out of Runnels County for burglary and drug possession. He was also reportedly involved in a police chase through Runnels County on Jan. 25, which led to his arrest two days later. During that incident, authorities seized over 116 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded AR-15 rifle.

"The Tom Green County Sheriff's Office extends its gratitude to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife, San Angelo Police Department, Runnels County Sheriff's Office, and the San Angelo Fire Department for their assistance and coordinated efforts in ensuring a peaceful resolution," the sheriff's office stated. 

Additional charges may be forthcoming.