Dad's Alzheimer's Sets Son Off: Cops

A North Park man, so frustrated over his father's Alzheimer's Disease, started firing shots inside the family's home Sunday, according to police.

Police received reports of multiple shots fired from inside the home in the 3300 block of Bancroft Street just before 4 p.m. Sunday.

San Diego police officers used two flash-bang explosions to get the attention of 44-year old Robert Lamb Sunday after they were not able to reach him.

“Due to the multiple gunshots that were reported and no response, a decision was made to check on the welfare of those inside the house,” said San Diego police Lt. Andra Brown.

Robert Lamb and his father were inside the home. Officers said Lamb was frustrated with the medical condition of his father, who family members say has had Alzheimer's for 20 years.

SWAT teams sent a robot and a camera inside to assess the situation and finally were able to communicate.

“There was a phone that was tossed in to enable conversation with the person and that was eventually able to be used to talk the person out,” said Lt. Brown.

After five hours, Lamb was escorted out of his home barefoot wearing shorts and a T-shirt.

Lamb’s cousins, who didn't want to be identified, breathed a sigh of relief. “Just him coming down the street, we're just so happy,” one said. “We're really happy for him.”

Robert Lamb's father was taken to the hospital because of pre-existing conditions.

Family members say the younger man was generally happy and had just gone to his cousin's graduation last week.

Police said no decision had been made on whether to press charges.
 

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