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By Miriam Raftery
November 19, 2016 (El Cajon) — A man who prompted a SWAT standoff after firing shots and taking his 7-year-old son hostage last night is dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. According to Lieutenant Royal Bates, the child exited the residence in the 800 block of Grape Street unharmed shortly before the gunshot was heard.
El Cajon Police officers initially responded at 5:15 p.m. last night to a report by a family member of multiple shots being fired inside the home. When officers arrived on scene, family members told police that the suspect was still inside the residence, along with his 7-year-old son. The witnesses also told officers that they believed the suspect had multiple weapons in the residence.
El Cajon Police Department's SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiations Team were notified to assist in handling the situation. San Diego Sheriff's personnel also responded to help. Over the next several hours, officers attempted to establish contact with the suspect inside in order to determine the well-being of the child and the mental state of the suspect, with little success.
“At about 1:15 a.m. the child suddenly emerged from the garage unharmed, and came to the officers waiting outside the residence. Shortly after that, a single gunshot was heard by officers on scene,” says Lt. Bates. “After attempting to make contact with the suspect and not hearing a response, a robot was used to clear the inside. Ultimately, the suspect was found inside the home with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
The suspect's identity is being withheld pending notification of family members.
The investigation into what exactly occurred that led up to this incident is still ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the El Cajon Police Department at (619) 579-3311.
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