San Marcos SWAT Standoff Ends, Neighbors Return Home: SDSo

Deputies first responded to the scene around 8:30 p.m. Saturday to assist the San Marcos Fire Department with a report of a possible structure fire

A San Marcos man who barricaded himself inside his home after setting fire to his couch, prompting evacuations in the neighborhood, died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, San Diego Sheriff’s Department officials (SDSO) said. 

The incident began around 8:30 p.m. Saturday. in the 500 block of Rancheros Drive. The location is just north of State Route 78 near a shopping complex with Port Brewing Company and the San Marcos DMV. The area is right around the corner from Mission Hills High School. 

Deputies first responded to the scene around 8:30 p.m. Saturday to assist the San Marcos Fire Department with a report of a possible structure fire, SDSO Sergeant John Spach said.

As deputies were heading to the scene, they learned the man - who has not been identified - had been drinking all day and set his couch on fire with the intention of committing suicide by law enforcement. 

The man barricaded himself inside his home, reportedly armed with a handgun, Spach said.

Neighbors in the area were evacuated as deputies secured a perimeter and tried to talk to the man. 

The man, in turn, began breaking windows and demanding a phone, Spach said.

At approximately 10:20 p.m., deputies heard several gunshots inside the residence. The man made statements about shooting his television, Spach said.

The San Diego Sheriff's Special Enforcement Detail (SED) and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) responded to assist. 

Members of CNT tried to establish a relationship with the subject but were not able to. 

The man began to fire his handgun inside his house again, Spach said. 

At 11:17 p.m., Spach said, he fired a round and no other sounds or movements were made after that. 

A robot was sent inside the home, and deputies learned the man died from a fatal, self-inflicted gunshot wound, Spach said. 

No further information is available. 

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