Photo: Stock Image
Proving once again that “love is blind,” 29-year-old Lompoc resident Ivan Gutierrez—who apparently doesn’t take rejection very well—would rather threaten violence than lose the affections of his girlfriend.
Evidence of that came late in the morning of July 15th when his ex-girlfriend picked up the phone and informed the 911 Emergency Dispatch operator at the Lompoc Police Department that Gutierrez was in her home and brandishing a knife, seriously violating the terms of the court-ordered restraining order with his name on it.
According to Lompoc Police Department spokesman, Sgt. Scott Morgan, by the time LPD cops and uniformed Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department patrol deputies rolled up to the scene, the reporting victim “had managed to escape from the residence,” leaving Gutierrez inside the home.
Deputies made an effort to communicate with Gutierrez, but he refused their entreaties to exit the premises. Instead, Gutierrez barricaded himself inside the home. Patrol officers attempted to negotiate with Gutierrez, but he remained uncooperative, leading to a prolonged standoff.
Due to Gutierrez’s violent history, his possession of a weapon, and threats of suicide by cop, the Lompoc Police and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negotiation Teams were called to assist. The Lompoc SWAT team was also deployed to relieve patrol officers on the scene.
Police obtained arrest and search warrants during the standoff. The SWAT team utilized a throw phone device in an effort to communicate with Gutierrez, but he continued to ignore law enforcement. “Ultimately, limited entry was made by the SWAT team into the residence, where they located and arrested Gutierrez successfully,” Morgan reported.
Gutierrez was transported to Santa Barbara County Jail, where he was book for violation of a restraining order, obstructing or resisting arrest, and revocation of post- release community supervision. He remains in custody on a no-bail hold.
