LA MESA, Calif. — A two-hour standoff in La Mesa ended Saturday evening with a man in custody on felony elder-abuse charges after he barricaded himself inside an RV trailer on Mellmanor Drive.
Lt. Scott Hildebrand said officers were called around 5:18 p.m. for a report of a family disturbance and possible elder abuse. When they arrived, the man refused to come out and ignored negotiators’ commands. Police broadcast over a loudspeaker that he was under arrest and subject to an Emergency Protective Order.
Witnesses said officers broke windows and fired pepper balls and 40 mm less-lethal rounds to insert chemical agents and get visual access inside the RV using a small drone. After forcing the door open with a pry bar and cutting holes into the trailer, police found the suspect hiding in the bathroom and took him into custody around 7:20 p.m.
Family members told reporters the man had been struggling with mental health and addiction issues. A dog found inside the RV was taken to a veterinarian by relatives. No injuries to officers or bystanders were reported.
