Crime & Safety

Update: Suspect Dead After Shootings Near Mount Helix-Area Home

Shots were repeatedly taken at SWAT team members in the 9900 block of Grandview Drive during the 15-hour standoff that ended early Tuesday morning.

Originally published 11:20 a.m. Sept. 2.

A 15-hour SWAT standoff in the Mount Helix-area came to an end Tuesday when a 47-year-old suspect was found dead from a self-infliicted gunshot wound, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department reported shortly after 2 a.m. 

A robot found the man dead in the master bedroom of the home in the 9900 block of Grandview Drive around 1 a.m. His identity is being withheld until next of kin can be notified.

During the shootings, residents within a one-mile radius of 9900 block of Grandview Drive were asked to close their blinds or curtains and stay indoors as deputies from the Lemon Grove Sheriff's Station, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Crisis Negotiation team worked to de-escalate the situation.

The incident was initially reported as a domestic disturbance around 10 a.m., the sheriff's department said in a statement.

"A 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. When deputies arrived on scene and tried to contact the suspect, the man threatened to kill the deputies," the sheriff's department said. Shots were fired few seconds later.

"The suspect has a long rifle and is shooting in all directions. Deputies are unable to go door to door right now for an evacuation because they will be exposed to gunfire," the sheriff's department said in a statement Monday.

The man was also believed to be armed with a shotgun and two handguns.

No shots were fired by deputies, the sheriff's department said.

Neighbors were evacuated and a perimeter was set up around the home while unsuccessful attempts were made to contact the man. 

"12 to 15 shots were fired in about three seconds of time which echoed through the canyons here," 10News reporter Steve Fiorina.

Shots were also directed at SWAT's armored truck/bearcat, News 8 San Diego reported at 5 p.m.

Grandview Drive was closed in both directions during the standoff and checkpoints were established at multiple intersections along the street. 

Law enforcement officials used Murdock Elementary School as a staging area. School will resume as scheduled Tuesday.


City News Service contributed to this report.


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