News

Actions

Clairemont SWAT: Suspect in custody after 8-hour standoff

Brittney Lefler, 35, identified as suspect
Posted at 8:07 AM, Dec 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-29 20:11:33-05

SAN DIEGO -- A SWAT standoff that began as a report of a woman firing gunshots at an apartment complex has concluded peacefully with the suspect in custody Thursday afternoon. 

According to police, the situation began around 5:00 a.m. after a dispute between neighbors at the Barclay Square Apartments turned dangerous. 

A woman later identified as 35-year-old Brittney Lefler opened fire, a neighbor said. No injuries were reported. Both SWAT and K9 were called to the scene.

The suspect then barricaded herself in her apartment and the complex was subsequently evacuated. 

By midday, officers had shot out a window, severing window blinds in the suspect's apartment. The woman then came toward the window almost completely naked yelling at the officers. 

10News reporter Jared Aarons reported that Balboa Avenue between Cannington and Mt. Alifan drives, west of Interstate 805, was shut down to all traffic. 

Aarons said the following was repeated on the police loudspeaker around 9:40 a.m.:

  • "Brittney, we need to know that you're okay."
  • "We know you're scared right now."
  • "Please come to the door or window with your hands up and nothing in your hands." 

A nearby preschool with 20 children were reported to be inside. It's unknown whether that preschool was ordered locked down. 

The suspect is a white female in her 30s, medium build, wearing a white shirt and gray sweatpants at the time of the shooting.

This is a developing story and will be updated.