Domestic Violence Suspect Arrested After SWAT Standoff In North County

SAN MARCOS, CA — Deputies arrested a domestic violence suspect after a nearly 11-hour SWAT standoff in northern San Diego County, authorities said Tuesday.

Detectives with the San Diego County Sheriff Office followed up on a domestic violence report around 10 a.m. Monday in the 2200 block of Flatiron Way in San Marcos. The suspect, Jeremiah Gowdy, 44, refused to speak with detectives and threatened to hurt himself and deputies, according to the sheriff's office.

The Sheriff's Special Enforcement Detail, Crisis Negotiations Team and Psychiatric Emergency Response Team were all called to the scene. Deputies attempted to de-escalate the situation by contacting the man several times, but he did not respond, according to the sheriff's office. The SED/SWAT used a chemical agent to enter the apartment around 9 p.m.

Gowdy was arrested and taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation. He will be booked into the Vista Detention Facility on charges of felony domestic violence and violating an emergency protective order, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies obtained a warrant to search his home and seized rifles and handguns, according to the sheriff's office. His wife and children were provided domestic violence resources.