South Bay Standoff Ends With Attempted Murder Suspect’s Arrest: Cops

GILROY, CA — A South Bay standoff ended Wednesday with the arrest of an attempted murder suspect in connection with an incident in which an 82-year-old woman suffered life-threatening injuries, police said.

Steve Rabena, 72, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, domestic violence, and weapons related charges, the Gilroy Police Department said on the agency's Facebook page.

The victim is expected to survive.

Officers at around 9:40 p.m. Wednesday responding to the 6900 block of Glenview Drive on a medical aid request were met by Rabena standing in an open doorway pointing a handgun at them, police said.

Officers safely positioned themselves as Rabena fled back into the house until Rabena momentarily emerged to say his wife was dying inside the house.

A K-9 until helped officers detain Rabena after he challenged the officers to “shoot” him.

Once, detained, officers were able to render aid to an 82-year-old victim.

She was transported to a local area trauma center where she remains but is expected to survive.

A handgun was located inside the residence, police said.

Based on preliminary information, it is believed that a blunt force object was used to cause the victim’s injuries.

The Gilroy Police Department’s Investigations unit, Anti-Crime Team (ACT), and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) team responded.

"The de-escalation tactics employed by the officers on scene undoubtedly prevented a second tragedy at this chaotic event," the agency said.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact GPD Detective Corporal Jesus Cortez at (408) 846-0425 or by calling the agency’s anonymous Tip Line at (408) 846-0330.