Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Restraint, Help from Friends Bring Safe End to 26-Hour Standoff

Surrounding homes have been evacuated for the "safety of the residents," the sheriff's department said.

A standoff that began Sunday after a report of a man pointing a gun at his neighbor ended about 26 hours later when the suspect walked out of his Pico Rivera home and surrendered.

During the standoff, the man fired rounds from a "high-caliber weapon," striking law enforcement tactical gear and leaving bullet holes, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.

The man, identified as Michael Anthony Jewell, 31,  was to be booked for felonies including assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a peace officer, and resisting arrest, according to a Sheriff's statement. 

Deputies from the Pico Rivera Sheriff's Station responded early Sunday afternoon to the 8800 block of Dalewood Avenue regarding an armed man who allegedly had made threats before retreating inside his home and refusing to respond.  The department brought  in the Crisis Negotiation Team and Special Enforcement Bureau.

At one point, about 15 nearby homes were evacuated for the safety of the residents, the sheriff's department said, but there were no injuries.

The man's mother stayed with him in the house overnight, then in the morning came outside unharmed.

To get Jewell to come out, Special Enforcement deputies deployed flash-bag stun grenades and pepper bombs, but held off making entry. 

On learning of the stand-off, at least three friends of Jewell placed phone calls to him and urged him to come out and speak to authorities.  Jewell has suffered from mental health issues, acquaintances said.

"He was like, 'Why are they here?  What do they want from me?" said Brian Nieto of his phone conversation with Jewell.  "I was like,'Dude, just come out and find out.'"

Shortly after 1 p.m. Monday, some 26 hours after the standoff began, the man walked out the front door and into custody.

"Patience pays off," tweeted the sheriff's department's Special Enforcement Bureau.

Tuesday afternoon, Sheriff's officials plan to release additional information on the case.

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