Yesterday at about 4:30pm, Fairfield Police Dispatch received a call regarding a family disturbance in the 2100 block of Fieldcrest Ave. Officers responded to the location and received information along the way that indicated threats of violence and a weapon were involved. Upon officers’ arrival they met with family members and confirmed criminal threats were made, and an involved family member had produced a knife and brandished it.
Officers worked on removing the family members from the home in an effort to prevent further conflict, but were challenged by the family member who had the knife. This individual was later identified as Russell Kultti, a 32-year-old resident. Kultti challenged the officers as they were attempting to protect family members and an altercation ensued. The officers on scene attempted to deescalate the situation and utilized a Taser to stop the confrontation, but it was ineffective. Matters were compounded further when Kultti alleged he was in possession of a firearm and wanted officers to shoot him.
Officers continued to separate the family and themselves from Kultti as he continued his actions and produced a knife in an aggressive manner towards the officers. Kultti remained in the residence and began locking the doors and windows. Officers on patrol along with other members trained in crisis intervention attempted to resolve the situation for approximately an hour to no avail. Based on indications this would turn into a lengthy incident involving a subject armed with weapons, SWAT and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) were activated. Both teams worked together and took over the call.
Working with our Investigations Bureau, an arrest warrant and search warrant were obtained. Over approximately 12 hours both teams utilized various tactics in an effort to remove Kultti from the residence. Through these tactics, Kultti continued to fortify himself in the residence and refused to surrender. Being aware of officer fatigue, we reached out to our partners at Vacaville PD and asked if they would assist in taking over the incident for a period of time so our department members could rest and return later in the day if need be. Vacaville PD SWAT graciously agreed to assist and took over the operation at about 8:00am, with a plan of Fairfield personnel returning at 5:00pm.
A little after noon today, Vacaville PD SWAT and assisting personnel were able to take Kultti into custody. Kultti was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical clearance and will ultimately be booked into the county jail for offenses to include making criminal threats, brandishing a knife at the family, and brandishing the knife at officers. The investigation will continue and based on what occurred a mental health hold will be reviewed for Kultti as well.
We are extremely thankful the situation was able to be resolved in a manner respecting the family involved and the life of their family member. We would also like to thank the Vacaville Police Department for being a continued partner always willing to help out.
