Report: UFC veteran Thiago Silva apprehended by Florida police
According to multiple reports, Thiago Silva has been apprehended by Florida police following an altercation at a Ft. Lauderdale jiu-jitsu school and a subsequent standoff at the UFC light heavyweight’s residence.
MMAjunkie learned of the incident from a source close to the fighter. However, the source spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to divulge the details of the ongoing situation.
Silva was reportedly involved in a dispute at Pablo Popovitch Mixed Martial Arts Academy earlier in the evening, which Florida’s Local10.com identified only by address. Silva reportedly threatened people inside the school, and the Brazilian slugger was apparently armed at the time of the incident.
Silva then reportedly left the scene and retreated to his residence at Coral Heights Court in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., where he barricaded himself inside before ultimately surrendering to Broward County Sheriff’s Office’s authorities, which included a S.W.A.T. team that was called to the scene. There were no injuries reported at either Popovitch’s academy or Silva’s residence.
A records search of the address the suspect barricaded himself at comes up as the business address of Silva and his wife, Thaysa, who trains under Popovitch.
NBC 6 News anchor Adam Kuperstein tweeted details of the incident as they unfolded.
Police standoff in Ft. Lauderdale happening at a home owned by MMA fighter Thiago Silva.—
Adam Kuperstein (@AdamNBC6) February 07, 2014
Police have made an arrest at scene of the standoff in Ft Lauderdale. Suspect was armed. Altercation started at Jiu-Jitsu school they say.—
Adam Kuperstein (@AdamNBC6) February 07, 2014
Police haven't named the suspect. @GilmaNBC6 reports that the altercation started at the Pablo Popovitch Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school—
Adam Kuperstein (@AdamNBC6) February 07, 2014
UFC officials were not immediately available for comment but later issues a statement to MMAjunkie.
“This evening, we were made aware of a situation involving Thiago Silva,†the statement read. “We are in the process of gathering the facts and have no further comment at this time.â€
Silva, who currently boasts a two-fight winning streak, is expected to make his next octagon appearance at next month’s UFC 171 event in Dallas, where he is scheduled to face Ovince St. Preux.
