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City Heights Standoff Ends With Arrest

Police cars near a City Heights apartment complex in the 2600 block of 44th Street, Jan. 13, 2015.
10News
Police cars near a City Heights apartment complex in the 2600 block of 44th Street, Jan. 13, 2015.

A man's refusal to exit a City Heights apartment where police tried to serve a search warrant early this morning forced evacuations of surrounding homes and an hours-long standoff that ended with the suspect's arrest on Tuesday.

Officers arrived at the residence in the 2600 block of 44th Street about 4:30 a.m. as part of an investigation into suspected narcotics and weapons violations on the part of residents there, according to San Diego police.

Four suspects, including a 17-year-old boy, came out of the apartment and surrendered after officers deployed tear gas and "flash bang" devices, but a 39-year-old man refused to follow suit, SDPD public-affairs Lt. Kevin Mayer said.

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A SWAT team took up positions around the building, and police cleared residents out of nearby homes as a precaution.

About 2:45 p.m., the special weapons and tactics personnel stormed the apartment, finding the uncooperative man hiding in a bathroom. They unleashed a service dog, which helped subdue the suspect by biting him on the ankle, Mayer said.

Medics treated the man, whose name was not immediately available, at the scene before taking him to a hospital for further evaluation and any additional care he might need. He was expected to be booked into county jail later in the day on suspicion of obstructing police and possibly other charges.