Man Accused of Domestic Violence Reportedly Arrested After Stand-Off
Mendocino County authorities reportedly arrested an individual accused of domestic violence after he barricaded himself in a studio space above a garage.
On the afternoon of October 24, deputies responded to a reported domestic violence incident at a residence on the 12000 block of Alderwood Road in Mendocino. A 37-year-old female victim had reported being assaulted, choked, and threatened with a firearm by her ex-boyfriend, identified as Riordan Wilhelmi, 41.
The incident occurred while she was attempting to drop off personal belongings after a recent breakup, according to the Sheriff’s Office
While deputies were en route, officers from the California Highway Patrol, California State Parks, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife arrived to secure the scene. The victim informed dispatch that she fled to a safe location in Mendocino.
The victim also reported that the suspect’s mother, who was present during the incident, had been injured but declined medical attention.
Upon arrival, deputies found that Wilhelmi had barricaded himself inside a one-room studio attached to a garage on the property.
Multiple attempts to contact him were unsuccessful. Due to the involvement of a firearm and the violent nature of the incident, deputies established a perimeter and waited for SWAT personnel to arrive.
While SWAT resources were on their way, detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence. Wilhelmi’s mother was interviewed but reportedly denied being a victim or witness to any crime.
After SWAT personnel arrived, deputies attempted to negotiate with Wilhelmi, urging him to exit the studio. When those efforts failed, officers breached a window and deployed a tactical drone to look inside.
The drone operator confirmed Wilhelmi’s presence, and SWAT officers gave additional commands for him to exit.
Wilhelmi eventually left the studio through the barricaded door and was taken into custody without further incident or injury.
Wilhelmi was transported to the Mendocino County jail. He was booked on suspicion of domestic battery, criminal threats, assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism causing damages over $400, delaying or obstructing an officer, and probation violation.
He is being held without bail due to the probation violation, the Sheriff’s Office said.
