Man found dead inside home after standoff ends in Normal Heights
Editor’s note: San Diego police initially said officers reported that they were shot at, but they later learned it was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
An hours-long standoff in the Normal Heights neighborhood ended after a homeowner was found dead inside a home on Monday evening, police said.
The man, who has not yet been identified, called police for a welfare check of his own mental status. San Diego police say they responded more than three hours after the call was made.
When three officers arrived at the caller’s home near the corner of Monroe Avenue and 40th Street, they heard a gunshot coming from inside, prompting a heavy police response that remained for several hours. Police advised people to stay out of the area.
“They were saying like, ‘We’re out here. We’re not going to leave until you come out. Come out with your hands up,” neighbor Nicholas Rura said.
Police quickly left the home and called for SWAT. They closed streets around the home for two blocks.
SkyRanger 7 flew over the scene for an aerial view, showing SWAT officers by an armored vehicle, along with at least five police vehicles crowding an alleyway in a residential neighborhood.
Drones were deployed to monitor the home from the air. Outside, police used pepper balls and other distractions to get a response from the man inside. It went on for almost four hours.
“I was stuck at the roundabout for an hour-and-a-half before they let me through to park in my driveway,” neighbor Jenny Clausen said.
Police then used a tactical droid robot to see what was happening inside. They learned that single gunshot heard at the beginning of the standoff wasn’t a bullet meant for responding officers, but instead, he used it to take his own life.
“Right now, everything is heavy. The world is really heavy, even though it’s Christmas. It’s hard,” Clausen said.
The situation ended around 7:30 p.m., according to the police department. Police said they believe there is no threat to the public. Traffic was expected to reopen as personnel left the area.
No officers were injured, SDPD said.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
This is a developing story. Details in this story may change as more information becomes available.
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