San Diego

Man Wanted on Multiple Felony Warrants in Serra Mesa Standoff Arraigned

A wanted felon involved in a six-hour Serra Mesa standoff pleaded not guilty to a felony child abuse charge stemming from the standoff.

Joseph Curtis Caldwell, initially wanted on felony warrants for domestic violence, burglary, auto theft, and false impersonation, appeared in court to face charges related to the Thursday, Nov. 17 standoff

He pleaded not guilty to a felony child abuse charge; bail was set at $100,000. 

The standoff began Thursday when San Diego County Sheriff's Department Fugitive Task Force spotted Curtis at one of his relative's homes. 

Caldwell holed himself up in the home around 4:42 p.m. on the 8600 block of Hurlbut Street just south of Aero Drive, near Montgomery Field.

At one point, the man had his five-year-old niece with him, but released her through a second-story window, officials said. 

Throughout the standoff, officers fired less-lethal rounds to try to coax the suspect out. He surrendered peacefully just before 11 p.m. 

If convicted, he could face eight years in prison. 

Contact Us