Austin Felon Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison After Armed Standoff at Family Home

An Austin man with a history of violent crime has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison following a tense armed standoff at his family residence. The incident, which unfolded late last year, has drawn attention due to the dangerous escalation of violence, illegal possession of firearms, and drug use—all of which placed the local community and law enforcement officers at serious risk.

The case centers around 38-year-old Steven Moreno Briseno, who was arrested after a dramatic encounter with police on November 30, 2023. According to official reports, Briseno, allegedly under the influence of methamphetamine, became involved in a physical altercation with his wife. The altercation prompted a 911 call, and when officers arrived at the scene, Briseno fled on foot.

He first ran into a vacant apartment across the street before returning to his family’s residence, where he barricaded himself inside and refused to cooperate with officers. The situation quickly escalated as Briseno began making threats, stating that he would open fire if law enforcement did not retreat. Officers observed him through a window preparing for a potential shootout—mounting a rifle onto a tripod and appearing to load various firearms while smoking from what resembled a meth pipe.

The threat level increased further when Briseno was seen exiting the house with a gun in his hand, wearing a camouflage tactical vest. His actions forced law enforcement to respond with heightened urgency, and the Austin Police Department’s SWAT unit was deployed. Despite repeated commands to surrender, Briseno fired at least one shot from within the residence. After tense negotiations via loudspeaker, he eventually surrendered peacefully.

Inside the home, officers discovered a significant number of firearms, loaded magazines, and boxes of ammunition openly displayed on the kitchen table, near the entrance, and positioned by the windows. The setup indicated a clear intent to resist arrest and prepare for armed conflict.

Briseno’s criminal background played a critical role in the federal court’s decision. He had been previously convicted of multiple felonies, including a burglary conviction in November 2022. As a convicted felon, he was legally prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. On January 15, 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was subsequently sentenced to 144 months in federal prison.

The case underscores the severe consequences of repeat offenses involving weapons and the heightened danger posed by individuals who disregard firearm laws. The combination of drug influence, domestic violence, and illegal possession of firearms created a volatile scenario that could have ended in tragedy. Thanks to the measured response of law enforcement, the standoff ended without loss of life.

This sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict firearm regulations and the need for vigilance when dealing with repeat offenders who pose a threat to public safety. The incident has left a lasting impact on the local community and reinforces the message that illegal firearm possession by convicted felons will be met with serious consequences under federal law.