SHOOTER WITH HIGH-POWERED RIFLE ON MT. HELIX ; AREA RESIDENTS TOLD TO STAY INDOORS, COVER WINDOWS

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By Miriam Raftery

Update 7:20 p.m. - Sheriff media rep advises Red Cross will be making arrangements for displaced residents overnight.  Check back for details on where a shelter will be set up.

Update 6 p.m. - The stand-off continues. We heard shots repeatedly at our home. Channel 8 reports more than 200 shots have been fired in all directions. 

September 2, 2013 (Mt. Helix) -- A gunman armed with a high-powere rifle has fired shots inside a home in the 9900 block of Grandview on Mt. Helix.  The Sheriff has made reverse 911 calls advising residents within a one mile radius to shelter in place with windows covered. Some homes have been evacuated but deputies are unable to go door to door for evacuations because they would be exposed to fire, according to a Sheriff's notice to media.

The fiancé of the 47-year-old man holed up inside the house told deputies they had an argument and the man threatened to hurt her and himself. The man had been drinking, authorities report. When deputies arrived on scene and tried to contact the suspect, the man threatened to kill the deputies. A few seconds later, shots were fired inside the house. Deputies immediately backed out of the house. Three other people inside the house got out safely and no one has been harmed as of 2:50 p.m.; deputies did not fire a shot, according to the Sheriff..

A SWAT team has been called in and a stand-off is occurring as negotiators try to get the suspect to surrender.  A Sheriff dispatcher advised ECM editor Miriam Raftery, who lives within the perimeter established, that the gunman has a high powered rifle.  A neighbor told 10 News that at least 10 or 15 shots were heard. 

California Highway Patrol is assisting Sheriff's deputies.  A helicopter is flying over the area to assist deputies from the Lemon Grove substation. Grandview Avenue is barricaded at Resmar.  A new warning call made at 2:35 to residents advised that the suspect is "shooting indiscriminately."

Some residents have opted to evacuate and one reports that a refrigerator delivery had to be rescheduled because of the police activity, a neighbor of ECM's editor said.

A command post has been established at Murdock Elementary School on Conrad Drive. Citizens are warned to avoid this area until further notice.



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