A distraught Point Loma man held dozens of San Diego Police officers at bay for an hour Wednesday evening as he flashed a knife while constantly moving around his home and back yard.
The man was taken into custody after a contingent of officers armed with bean bag guns entered the home with two police dogs. Four distinct shots could be heard from the bean bag guns and the unidentified man was bitten repeatedly by at least one dog.
After being treated at the scene, the suspect was taken by paramedics to Alvarado Hospital for treatment of dog bites and psychological evaluation.
The man lives with his parents in the large home at 1055 Santa Barbara St. Both parents were home during the ordeal. They later declined comment on the event.
The incident began at about 6 p.m. when police were called about the man’s erratic behavior. Responding officers observed the shouting man holding a knife with a six-inch blade and called for backup.
Numerous officers responded, and a police helicopter began circling the house, advising officers on the ground of the subject’s movements and behavior.
Officers secured every possible escape route from the home, even taking up positions in neighboring yards.
At one point, the subject appeared on his front porch and threw objects at police. Later, when officers moved a patrol car into position to light the front porch with headlights and takedown lights, the man appeared in the front window shining lights of his own.
Many area residents, most alerted by the helicopter, walked to the scene to observe the activity and take cell phone photos. Police also closed Santa Barbara St. preventing some residents from getting to their homes.
Meanwhile, officers in the helicopter reported the man at various times removing his clothing, walking from the backyard into the house, then walking back outside, putting his clothing back on and even throwing his knife repeatedly at a piece of wood on the ground.
After his arrest, the handcuffed man appeared calm, chatting with officers as they gave him water and discussed his injuries.