Standoff ends with male found dead inside Menifee home

Sheriff's deputies established a command post outside a home where a man was later found dead. Menifee 24/7 photos by Doug Spoon

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Story updated at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 8 with additional information and clarification:

A law enforcement operation involving Sheriff's deputies, SWAT teams, medical personnel and detectives ended after nearly six hours Wednesday night when officers entered a Menifee residence and found a deceased male inside, authorities said.

The situation began about 2:25 p.m. when Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of domestic disturbance in the 25000 block of Middlebury Way in the Sun City community. According to a Sheriff's Department news release, the call indicated that an adult male family member had brandished a handgun at others and was still inside the home.

Deputies obtained statements from family members and attempted to contact the subject, who refused to come outside.

As additional law enforcement arrived and the cul de sac was blocked off, some residents in the area reported on social media that they heard several loud bangs. Police did not confirm that any shots were fired. At 6 p.m., the incident was still reported by the Sheriff's Department as a subject believed to be armed and refusing to comply with police.

SWAT vehicles arrived on scene, including a battering ram vehicle that is used to enter a residence with force. That vehicle was later called off, however. A command post was established near the residence as the waiting continued.

Finally, SWAT team members entered the residence and found an adult male dead of an apparent self-inflicted injury, according to the news release.

There were no other reports of injuries. According to Deputy Robyn Flores, family members exited the residence unharmed. The identity of the deceased has not been released.

A heavy police presence included several ground vehicle, including SWAT personnel, and a helicopter.

A battering ram vehicle was summoned to the scene but was later called off.