Photos: (Cover) Stock Image, (In Story) Suicide Prevention Hotline Information
Originally Published By: San Diego County Sheriffs Office Webpage:
“A man was found dead after a three-hour standoff and garage fire in the unincorporated area of El Cajon.
It happened on Friday, August 19 just after 9:00 a.m. in the 700 block of 4th Street. Someone called 9-1-1 to report a man locked himself in the house and was threatening to hurt himself with a gun following an argument with family members.
When deputies arrived, they found a detached garage on fire. Firefighters with the Heartland Fire and Rescue Department responded to the scene.
Family members were able to get out of the house safely. Next door neighbors were also evacuated as deputies tried to communicate with the man. The Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) and mental health clinicians with the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) also assisted. The incident was contained to the neighborhood so nearby schools were not evacuated or placed on lockdown.
Members of the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail (SED/SWAT) helped in clearing the house. They found a man with a self-inflected gunshot wound in the bedroom.
The Medical Examiner’s Office will identify the man, as well as determine the cause and manner of death once his family has been notified.
Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson is investigating the fire and will remain on scene. The fire was contained to the garage. 4th Street will remain closed between Naranca and Madison Avenues until 10:00 p.m. We thank the public for their patience and cooperation.
August is National Wellness Month. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis, you are not alone. There is hope. Call or Text 9-8-8 to reach trained crisis counselors. The county also has a mobile crisis response team and various locations for crisis stabilization units for those needing urgent care.”
