SAN DIEGO -- A man with a history of using explosives holed himself up in an Encanto home for several hours Monday night until San Diego police reportedly convinced him to surrender with the help of a $6 pack of cigarettes.
According to San Diego police, the incident began when the 35-year-old suspect, who was not immediately named, went to his mother’s house located in the 500 block of Merlin Dr., despite a restraining order his family has against him due to violence. Police also told 10News the suspect has a history of using explosives and was wanted on probation violations.
When he arrived, two adults and three children ran out of the house and called 911. Police surrounded the home in an attempt to convince the man to come out. A police helicopter was also circling above the house.
According to neighbors, the man came out several times and taunted police with a bandana and what appeared to be a magic trick.
At one point, the suspect requested cigarettes. According to a witness, he told police he was suffering from anxiety and wanted a cigarette before returning to jail. Police brought in a pack of cigarettes and put them on his car.
“He at one point did have his arm out the window asking for cigarettes,” witness Matthew Smith said. “They found cigs for him and put them on the hood of the car.”
After an approximately two-hour standoff, the man came out with his hands up and was taken into custody. No one was hurt during the incident.
