The standoff in the 2400 block of Eastridge Loop began about 9:20 p.m. Sunday when Omar Acosta went to the home looking for his ex-wife, according to Chula Vista police Lt. Eric Thunberg.

The couple has been divorced for 11 years but he has been living on and off at the home, according to Chula Vista police.

Police said Acosta arrived at the home and began smashing windows with the baseball bat before breaking into the structure where a fight ensued. The ex-wife was not home but the three people inside -- Acosta's two sons aged 17 and 20, and his former brother-in-law -- were able to leave without injury as Acosta barricaded himself upstairs.

Chula Vista police Capt. Gary Wedge said, "During the incident, it was learned that Acosta had also battered and injured his ex-wife one day prior, but the police were not notified."

Authorities surrounded the area and homes on the street were evacuated as a precaution.

Attempts to negotiate Acosta's surrender were unsuccessful. Between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., flash-bangs were used on the home but it wasn't until tear gas was used at around 5:15 a.m., that Acosta emerged and was taken into custody, police said. He had minor cuts to his hands and was taken away in an ambulance for treatment

Neighbors, who were forced to evacuate, said the tear gas was so powerful they could feel the painful effects from more than a block away.

"My eyes were immediately affected, my throat ... I was coughing and just basically felt ill," said Martha Arroyo, who lives just a few doors down from where the standoff took place.

He now faces several charges including domestic violence and assault with a deadly weapon, authorities said.