Sheriff’s officials released more details Wednesday about last weekend’s barricade in Lancaster, in which a suspect is accused of firing multiple rounds at an armored department vehicle.
Special Enforcement Bureau personnel assisted deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Lancaster station at approximately 3:30 a.m. Saturday after reports of an armed suspect in the 2100 block of Avenida Del Mar.
At one point during the standoff, the suspect allegedly fired multiple rounds at SEB personnel, striking the department’s tactical armored vehicle, known as the TacCat.
Investigators credited the TacCat with playing a critical role in protecting deputies by allowing them to approach the home, maintain distance and operate with control during a rapidly evolving and dangerous situation, noting that it provided options that would not have otherwise been possible and enabled them to focus on de-escalating the incident.
Chemical irritants were deployed inside the residence to safely coerce the suspect from the home and reduce the likelihood of further force, sheriff’s officials said.
A Crisis Negotiation Team and SEB deputies made multiple attempts to de-escalate the standoff while maintaining constant communication with the suspect over several hours.
The suspect’s father, who was out of state, was later contacted by negotiators, and with his assistance, combined efforts from CNT and SEB personnel led to the suspect’s surrender, according to the LASD.
The suspect, who was not identified, was taken into custody without further incident and taken to a hospital for medical clearance before being booked at the Lancaster sheriff’s station, officials said.
Anyone with further information about the case was urged to call the station at 661-948-8466. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or at www.lacrimestoppers.org.