San Diego

Man Locks Self Inside Home, Starts Fire in Poway Standoff

A man locked himself inside a home in Poway during a standoff and then set the home on fire from the inside, deputies said.

Deputies were called to the 13000 block of Powers Road near Pomerado Road twice Friday.

The first incident occurred at 10:06 a.m.--deputies conducted a criminal investigation involving the suspect and his mother, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO).

Before deputies arrived at the scene, the suspect fled the home. He allegedly made claims to kill himself before he left, SDSO said.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., the suspect's mother reported to deputies that her son had returned to the home and was possibly armed with a firearm.

Deputies surrounded the home and the suspect's mother was safely able to get out.

During a standoff, deputies heard five to six gunshots fired inside the home. 

"My wife heard three pops, which I thought was something else then heard they were gun shots," neighbor Gaylen Henrichs said.

Shortly after, the 31-year-old man set the house on fire while inside, deputies said.

At around 4:15 p.m., the suspect was taken into custody without incident after he left the house through the back.

Firefighters were able to put out the fire.

"The real danger was the fire of course, the possibility of exchanging gun fire," said SDSO Sgt. Bo Robertson. "The residents were are our primary concern."

A small dog was also rescued from the home.

There were no injuries, SDSO said.

The suspect was taken to the Poway Sherrif's station where he attempted to escape from deputies but failed.

He was booked into San Diego Central Jail on several charges, including arson, vandalism, and assault on a peace officer.

SDSO officials said a replica pistol air soft gun was found inside the home.

No other information was available.

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