Deputies who exchanged fire with a Fallbrook standoff suspect following an hours-long suspect have been identified.
The standoff began on Thursday just after 9:30 a.m. when deputies arrived at the home on Huffstatler Street, east of Interstate 15 and north of Rainbow Valley Boulevard.
Suspect Jose Armando Garcia, 47, was believed to be suicidal with a gun, deputies said. A negotiator began talks with Garcia that lasted several hours.
At around 2:30 p.m., Garcia left the home and fired a handgun, deputies said. Deputies returned fire, striking Garcia.
The man was taken to a nearby hospital where he was said to be in critical condition. He may face weapons and assault charges, deputies said.
Investigators say Garcia threatened his wife and teenage daughter prior to the standoff with deputies.
The deputies involved in the standoff have been identified as Deputy Vanessa Rocha and Deputy Giovani Pantoja.
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Rocha has been a deputy sheriff with the department for eight years. She is assigned to the Fallbrook Sheriff's Patrol Sub-Station.
Pantoja, assigned to the Vista Sheriff's Patrol Station, has been with the department for four years.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321. Tipsters can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
