Standoff at California Airport Ends with Arrest

June 6, 2006
Small airfield security incident saw intoxicated, armed man in brief standoff with police

RAMONA -- A 42-year-old Ramona man was being held without bail yesterday after allegedly firing on sheriff's deputies at the Ramona airfield early yesterday.

No one was injured, the Sheriff's Department said.

Deputies were called to the airfield about 2 a.m., shortly after an on-site security guard reported a suspicious person who appeared to be intoxicated.

When two deputies arrived at the airfield's gated entrance, the man allegedly fired 10 to 12 rounds at them, in three separate volleys.

As the deputies sought cover and waited for backup, the man allegedly taunted them, telling them to put their weapons down and come after him.

Deputies from Poway, Lakeside, Santee, Alpine, Valley Center and the Sheriff's Department Special Enforcement Detail and officers from the Escondido Police Department arrived at the airport shortly after.

Deputies eventually found the man at his home and detained him. They later found a loaded 9 mm handgun.