Full Notification

A 15-hour SWAT standoff in unincorporated La Mesa is now over. A robot was deployed inside the house to check on the suspect. Just before 1:00 a.m., the suspect’s body was found in the master bedroom with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

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.

Affected residents will be notified by phone that access to and from the 9900 block of Grandview Drive is now open. Detectives with the Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Station will remain on scene to continue the investigation.

This all started Monday, September 2nd just after 10:00 a.m. when deputies responded to a domestic violence call. While talking to the reporting party, the suspect threatened to kill the deputies. Seconds later, shots were fired inside the house triggering the standoff and response from Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail (SED/SWAT) and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT).

The Sheriff’s Department would like to thank the public for their cooperation during this incident. We also want to credit the following agencies for their assistance: American Red Cross, CALFIRE Tactical Medics, California Highway Patrol (CHP), Carlsbad Police, and Escondido Police. We also want to thank the La Mesa-Spring Valley Unified School District for the use of Murdock Elementary School as a command post. Please note, classes will resume at Murdock Elementary at 8:10 a.m. Parents who have questions can call the school at (619) 668-5775.