Man Armed With Machete Holds Family Hostage In Irvine: Police

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A man armed with a machete is engaged in a standoff with police in Irvine, California after apparently refusing to allow four family members to leave their home. A relative reported the dispute to the Irvine Police Department around 2:15 p.m., and police were able to safely evacuate the four family members using ladders around 4 p.m. As of 4:15 p.m., police were still negotiating with the suspect to surrender.

Why it matters

Hostage situations involving armed suspects pose a serious threat to public safety and require a careful, measured response from law enforcement to protect both the hostages and the surrounding community. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges police face in de-escalating volatile domestic disputes that turn violent.

The details

According to the Irvine Police Department, a relative of the armed suspect went to the police station around 2:15 p.m. to report the dispute happening in the 100 block of Terrapin. The suspect was allegedly not allowing four family members in an upstairs bedroom to leave the home. Just after 4 p.m., police were able to evacuate the four family members using ladders, but the suspect remained barricaded inside as of 4:15 p.m. when police were still negotiating for his surrender.

• The dispute was reported to Irvine police around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
• Police were able to evacuate the four family members just after 4 p.m. the same day.
• As of 4:15 p.m., police were still negotiating with the suspect to surrender.

What’s next

Police will continue negotiating with the suspect to peacefully surrender and resolve the hostage situation. The judge will determine if the suspect will be allowed bail once he is taken into custody.