Eric Ortiz, man accused in domestic shootout with ex-girlfriend, makes first court appearance

MILWAUKEE -- The man arrested for taking his ex-girlfriend hostage Sunday, December 27th made his initial court appearance on Saturday, January 2nd.

Eric Ortiz

Police say 31-year-old Eric Ortiz, forced entry into his ex-girlfriend's home near 99th and Oklahoma while armed with a handgun.

His ex-girlfriend says she had a strict no contact order against Ortiz.

Officials say the the woman, also armed with a gun, exchanged gunfire and Ortiz was struck.  Ortiz then barricaded himself inside the home and officers were able to convince him to surrender.

Prior to being taken into custody, Ortiz lit a fire inside the home.

Ortiz claims he did not fire any shots and that it was his "invisible friend" that did.

Eric Ortiz

His father says though he does not condone his son's actions, his mental illness should be taken seriously.

Rudy Ortiz

"I called Froedtert Hospital and I told them repeatedly that he was supposed to be evaluated. That never happened so because of that, this is what happens when you fall through the cracks," said Rudy Ortiz, father of Eric Ortiz.

Ortiz did acknowledge the no contact order. According to the criminal complaint he said, "A judge can't tell him he cannot be with her."