“We’re Going to Die”: Police Rescue Family Through Window After Man Allegedly Held Them Inside Home

March 8, 2026 • By Ryan Yousefi
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Carlos Antonio Melgar {BSO}

A Coral Springs man was arrested after police say he confined his wife and two children inside a bedroom during a domestic disturbance that required officers to rescue the victims through a window.

According to a Coral Springs Police Department arrest report, Carlos Antonio Melgar, 34, was taken into custody around 1:25 a.m. on March 1 and charged with three counts of false imprisonment related to domestic violence and one count of domestic violence assault.

According to a probable cause affidavit, officers were dispatched shortly after midnight to a home located near the 9900 block of Twin Lakes Drive after a 911 call. The call-taker reportedly heard screaming before the call disconnected, and attempts to re-establish contact were unsuccessful.

When officers arrived, they knocked on the door and announced their presence, but initially received no response. Police reported hearing yelling and a barking dog inside the residence. A man later identified as Melgar looked out a window and began yelling at officers to leave the property, refusing to open the door and telling officers they needed a warrant.

Concerned about the safety of others inside the home, officers attempted to enter and eventually spotted a juvenile pushing a bedroom door shut from the inside. The door appeared damaged.

Police later learned that Melgar had allegedly arrived home intoxicated and became aggressive after his wife did not answer his phone calls. According to investigators, the woman and two children retreated into a bedroom and locked the door in an effort to escape assault.

Investigators say Melgar attempted to force his way into the room and struck the door with what appeared to be a chair. 

One victim also reported to police hearing what sounded like a firearm being “racked,” along with Melgar allegedly stating, “We’re going to die.”

Officers were able to communicate with the victims through a bedroom window but were initially unable to open it from the outside. After pushing the window open, officers helped the three occupants escape the home through the window about 29 minutes after the original call for help.

Police said the victims remained inside the locked bedroom the entire time out of fear of Melgar and were unable to leave the house through the front door. Melgar later exited the home and was arrested.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi
Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiple outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.

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