Five-hour SWAT standoff in Carmel Valley ends in arrest

SAN DIEGO (FOX/KUSI) — San Diego police arrested a suspect early Friday morning following a nearly five-hour standoff overnight in Carmel Valley, authorities said.

The standoff began shortly after midnight at an apartment complex in the 10600 block of Golden Willow Trail. According to SDPD public information officer Lt. Dan Meyer, officers were dispatched to the complex for a domestic violence-related call.

Upon arrival, officers heard gunshots from one of the apartment units, which immediately activated SDPD's Special Response Team — or SWAT — and emergency negotiations team. Meyer said a K-9 unit was also brought to the scene.

One of the two individuals in the residence when the gunshots were fired, a woman, fled on foot shortly after and was not inside when the suspect barricaded himself inside.

"SWAT utilized tactics to include surround and call out, bullhorns and eventually gas," Meyer said.

All surrounding units in the complex were evacuated as the standoff ensued. Several nearby roads were also closed to aid in the police response.

The suspect surrendered around 5:45 a.m. following the deployment of gas on "a couple of occasions" in the last hour of the standoff, as well as the K-9 unit, the lieutenant said. The K-9 bit the suspect as authorities took him into custody.

No injuries were reported from the initial gunshots. Meyer said medics were evaluating the suspect for injuries.

"This tactical situation is now transitioning into an investigative situation in which the suspect is being investigated for domestic violence and the unlawful discharge of a firearm," Meyer said. "Luckily this is a successful and resolved situation, it is safe for all of our community members."

No descriptions were provided by law enforcement, although Meyer said the suspect was in a "committed relationship" with the victim.

An investigation into the incident remains ongoing. As of 7:30 a.m., the road closures put in place by police remain active.