A man employed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been arrested after an intense altercation at his ex-girlfriend’s home in Leesburg, Florida. The incident occurred late on the night of January 13, 2024, when Christopher Durden, 34, from Chula Vista, California, broke into the victim’s house, claiming he needed to retrieve a firearm left behind during his move to California.
Violent Outburst Starts Over Breakup
According to reports from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), the victim called 911 around 11 p.m. when Durden smashed a window of her home. The victim’s ex-boyfriend, whom she had ended the relationship with just days earlier, was heard sobbing and yelling in the background. Durden told her he was upset over the breakup and demanded to get his gun.
Durden and the victim had lived together as a couple from October 2022 to August 2024, but after their split, their relationship turned long-distance when Durden moved back to California. The victim decided to end the relationship in early January 2024. In the days following the breakup, Durden repeatedly contacted her, and when she blocked his number, he showed up unannounced at her home.
Breaking Into the House
Upon arriving at the victim’s house, Durden began banging on the front door. The victim, who had a Ring doorbell camera, communicated with him, telling him she didn’t want to see him. His anger grew, and he proceeded to go around the side of the house to the master bedroom window. He continued demanding entry and began banging on the glass. When the victim once again refused to let him in, Durden punched the window, shattering it.
Inside the room at the time were the victim and her mother. Durden climbed into the house through the broken window while yelling about retrieving his firearm. Once inside, he armed himself with a butcher knife and made suicidal threats.
Escape and Standoff
The victim and her mother managed to escape the house unharmed through the front door. Law enforcement quickly arrived on the scene and met with the victim while Durden remained inside the house, armed with the knife. Officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon, but Durden refused.
After more than an hour of negotiations, he eventually dropped the knife. However, Durden still refused to leave the house and was tasered multiple times before he was taken into custody. Authorities reported that Durden had injured himself during the window-breaking incident, cutting his wrist in a suicide attempt. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Evidence Found in the House
Inside the residence, authorities found three kitchen knives, each with blood on the handles. Two knives had blood on their blades. Blood was also found splattered throughout the kitchen, living room, master bedroom, and bathroom, indicating the violent nature of the altercation.
A Desperate Journey to Florida
Durden later told investigators that he knew the relationship was over when he left California but was still upset by the breakup. He rented a car in Orlando without informing the victim of his arrival. He said he only wanted to speak with her and retrieve his firearm that he had left behind. Durden also mentioned that he worked for Homeland Security in California, which added to the surprise of the event.
Charges and Arrest
Durden now faces serious charges, including armed burglary of an occupied dwelling and criminal mischief. His bond has been set at $26,000. He is currently being held at the Lake County Jail.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangerous outcomes that can stem from unresolved emotions following a breakup, and how quickly situations can escalate from a simple disagreement to a violent confrontation. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case and are urging others in similar situations to seek help and avoid engaging in potentially harmful actions.
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