Elderly Inverness woman arrested after 3.5-hour armed standoff with deputies

Still photo from CCSO video of Sheriff Vincent outside suspect's Inverness apartment complex.

~ The incident began with a well-being check of the 66 year-old woman. ~

Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)
May 23, 2025, 5:51 p.m.

Inverness, Florida - A woman was arrested on Friday, May 23, 2025, as the result of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) conducting a well-being check of a woman at the Colonnade Park Apartments, located at 1800 Colonade St. in Inverness.

According to Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent, a physician contacted his agency's Communications Division (9-1-1 service), requesting a well being check being made on a woman, and when Citrus County Fire Rescue and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel initially arrived at the location to check on the woman - 66 year-old Lauri Sadowski - she refused to let them inside, threatening to fire through the door. Feeling threatened, Sheriff Vincent said, first responders requested that deputies assist them at the woman's location.

Deputies who arrived on scene observed Ms. Sadowski walking around her apartment complex and on the balcony, armed with a firearm in each hand. Due to the immediate threat to public safety, the CCSO Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) was activated to assist in de-escalating the situation. Negotiators attempted, numerous times, to reach Sadowski via phone, but with each call, she answered and then disconnected the call, continuing to pace between her balcony and the interior of her apartment, with a weapon in each hand. Due to Ms. Sadowski's erratic behavior, the agency's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team was also called to assist in de-escalating the situation.

Both teams worked for several hours to engage with Ms. Sadowsk, in an effort to reach a peaceful resolution. After approximately three-and-a-half hours, Ms. Sadowski finally exited her apartment and was taken into custody by deputies, without further incident. After she was medically evaluated on scene by EMS personnel, Ms. Sadowski was placed under arrest and transported to the Citrus County Detention Facility in Lecanto, Florida, charged with aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. She is currently being held without bond.

"I am proud of our entire team, especially that of the CNT, for working together in such a stressful situation to peacefully resolve this situation," said Sheriff Vincent. "The coordination and professionalism displayed today highlight our commitment to protecting this community while prioritizing the safety of everyone involved, including the subject."

To view a video of Sheriff Vincent outside the Colonnade Park Apartments, click on the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BtxvYpdxE/.