Southeast Houston standoff ends without suspect in custody

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man wanted for an early morning SWAT standoff in southeast Houston remains on the run. Police say he attacked his ex-girlfriend, then held officers at bay for three hours. Once SWAT stormed in, he was nowhere to be found.

It happened at the Redford Apartments on Redford at the Gulf Freeway.

Investigators claim 21-year-old Aaron Watts beat his ex-girlfriend just after midnight. She and her 18-month-old baby fled for safety and the dialed 911.

"The suspect told us he was still inside the apartment, with the dead bolt locked and she told officers the suspect had weapons," said Kese Smith with the Houston Police Department.

After reaching him by phone and assuming he was inside, SWAT members yelled out over loud speakers for Watts to get out. It was enough to wake up neighbors.

It turns out after SWAT stormed the place, Watts wasn't home, presumably making off before officers arrived on scene.

"You don't want to tell her it's safe to return if he's still inside possibly around," said Smith.

That's leaving those at the complex today worried.

"Please don't be here," said Jacob Johnson, who was moving into the complex today.

They're hoping Watts, a now-wanted man, is brought down.

Watts is facing felony charges of violating a protective order.