Crime & Safety

La Mesan Pleads Not Guilty to Threat Charges in SWAT Standoff

Parolee is accused of threatening his wife and adult son with a screwdriver.

A parolee involved in Wednesday morning’s SWAT team standoff in northwest La Mesa pleaded not guilty Friday to assault with a deadly weapon and other charges. 

William Warnock, 59, was ordered held on $50,000 bail at the hearing in El Cajon Superior Court. He’s accused of threatening his wife and adult son with a screwdriver.

Officers were called to the home near Dallas Street and Blain Place about 10 p.m. Tuesday after Warnock allegedly made threats against his family members, police said.   

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The defendant allegedly refused to come out to speak to officers, prompting the standoff. Officers set off flash-bang grenades to coax Warnock out of the house, but the SWAT action continued until after 6 a.m., when he came on to a porch and was Tasered and arrested, police said.   

During the standoff, residents of at least a half-dozen surrounding homes were evacuated. A handgun, shotgun and loaded rifle were found in the residence, authorities said.   

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In addition to assault, Warnock was charged with two counts of making threats, being a felon in possession of a weapon and ammunition and misdemeanor counts of violating a restraining order and resisting police.   

Warnock, who has a prison prior for a 2006 conviction for evading police, faces six years and eight months in prison if convicted, said Deputy District Attorney Kurt Mechals.   

Judge William McGrath scheduled a readiness conference for July 13 and a preliminary hearing for July 18.

City News Service contributed to this report.


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