CHULA VISTA, California — An all-day standoff has ended and two people are dead. The suspect has reportedly shot himself after he became holed up after murdering a neighbor.
Chula Vista Police are still at the scene of a SWAT incident at an apartment complex in the 100 block of E Street. Police set up a significant perimeter and evacuated residents in the area earlier.
The incident began at about 7:40 a.m. when a male suspect shot another male victim in the apartment complex at 160 E Street. The male suspect ran inside an apartment and was talking on and off with the Chula Vista Police Crisis Negotiation Team.
The suspect was in an apartment with another adult female and two children who have some relationship with the suspect. The weapon used is believed to be a rifle.
The suspect let the woman and children go… They were not injured.
From San Diego 6: “Investigators believe that the deceased suspect, a 42-year-old named Michael, and victim were neighbors, and the shooting resulted from a confrontation that escalated.
Neighbors speculated that because Michael was a little person, he was reportedly tired of being bullied.
The gunfire at 160 E St. was reported around 7:40 a.m. and came from a high-powered assault rifle similar to an AK-47, according to Chula Vista police.
Witnesses reported hearing four to 10 shots. “I heard it. It sounded like a jackhammer inside… My first initial thought was that somebody’s doing yard work. I started pulling out and saw the cop cars,” said neighbor Stephany Melendez.
Capt. Turner said the victim — whose identity was not yet confirmed — collapsed and died between two parked cars. Officers were not able to approach, because the body was located in the line of fire.”
said the woman and children were safe and were being evaluated by medics on scene.
An investigation is ongoing.
Photo: Misael Virgen / San Diego Union-Tribune
