Domestic Abuse Suspect Arrested After 3-Hour Police Standoff In East County

EL CAJON, CA — A convicted sex offender and domestic violence suspect was arrested after a three-hour police standoff over the weekend at a motel in eastern San Diego County, authorities said.

A woman called 911 at 3:22 p.m. Sunday to report that her husband, Ruben Castro, 44, assaulted her, strangled her and refused to let her leave their motel room in the 1300 block of East Main Street in El Cajon, according to the El Cajon Police Department.

Officers arrived and safely evacuated the woman, while the man barricaded himself in the bathroom at the motel, Lt. Brandon Stanley said.

"During the investigation, officers learned the man committed multiple violent felonies, and had an outstanding felony warrant for sex registration violations," Stanley said.

Crisis negotiators attempted to communicate with Castro, who refused to surrender, Stanley said. After less-lethal pepper ball rounds were unsuccessful, SWAT officers used a flashbang and additional pepper ball rounds, prompting the man to exit the bathroom and peacefully surrender without further incident.

Castro was booked into San Diego County Jail on suspicion of assault, false imprisonment and failing to register as a sex offender.