Standoff with Gunman Ends with Arrest of Suspect Napping in Hotel Lobby
EMERYVILLE — A man arrested at a hotel faces multiple weapons-related charges and for allegedly making criminal threats. A tense standoff with police ended when the suspect fell asleep on a comfy sofa inside the lobby.
The trouble began in the predawn hours on May 8. A man with a shotgun was freaking out people inside the lobby at the Sonesta Emeryville Oakland. He was threatening hotel guests and employees.
Police responded to the hotel located on Shellmound Street. It turned into an hours-long standoff. Officers could see him walking around in the lobby and waving what turned out to be a modified shotgun.
The suspect walked in and out of view, as officers surrounded the hotel and attempted to communicate with him. At one point, he remained out of their view for about 30 minutes.
An aerial drone from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to assist Emeryville PD. It flew inside the hotel and located the suspect who by then was passed out on a couch.
Shortly after 4 a.m., officers entered the lobby to awaken and arrest the snoozing suspect. The suspect is identified as , a 30-year-old resident of Richmond.
In addition to being arrested for outstanding warrants, Valladares-Chirinos was found in possession of a controlled narcotic substance. Officers also recovered a short-barrel shotgun from him.
Fortunately, no one was reported injured, and business was back to usual at the hotel by 5 a.m.
