A 5 ½ hour SWAT standoff in Bonita is now over. A robot was deployed inside the apartment unit just before 10:30 p.m. to check on the suspect. The suspect’s body was found inside the living room with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Members of the Special Enforcement Detail (SED/SWAT) entered the apartment and confirmed the suspect was deceased. A rifle was found next to the suspect.
The suspect is a 45-year-old Hispanic man. The Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death, as well as identify the body following notification of next of kin.
Detectives from the Imperial Beach Sheriff’s Station will remain on scene to continue the investigation. The Sheriff’s Communication Center will notify residents sheltering in place that the incident is now over. Road closures will also be lifted.
This all started just before 5:00 p.m. when deputies received reports of shots being fired in the 2900 block of Briarwood Road. When they arrived on scene, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound in the driveway of the Briarwood Condos. They also saw a man running towards the apartment complex armed with a rifle. Deputies established a perimeter and evacuated four units immediately surrounding the one where the suspect is believed to be barricaded. During the search of those four units, they found a woman also suffering from a gunshot wound.
The wounded man and woman were both taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries that are believed to be non-life threatening at this time. A third woman was also taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries she sustained while trying to get out of a window and escape the gunman during the initial assault.
The Red Cross provided shelter for the people who were evacuated from the four units. The temporary evacuation point at Sweetwater Community Church is now closed.
Aside from Sheriff's SED and CNT, ASTREA was also overhead. Deputies from the Santee and Lemon Grove Stations, as well as the Imperial Beach Substation were also on scene. Officers from Chula Vista, Carlsbad, CHP, National City and CALFIRE medics also assisted during this incident.
