Filming in Lemon Grove causes a SWAT standoff; suspected shooter holed up in the house

A woman was injured Thursday when she was hit by bullet fragments fired by a man who then ducked into a Lemon Grove home, leading to a standoff, a sheriff’s official said.

Sheriff’s deputies received the call shortly before 8 a.m. about a shooting on Longdale Drive. A caller reported hearing gunshots.

Authorities learned that a man shot neighbors with an AR-15 type rifle, Sheriff’s Lt. Matthew Carpenter said. The department confirmed that one of the neighbors was hit by a piece of bullet.

The injured woman was taken to hospital. Carpenter said she was able to speak with first responders and her injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Carpenter said the suspected shooter was still inside the home when he opened fire and authorities believe he may have access to other firearms.

The man’s mother was able to get out of the house. No one other than the 28-year-old suspect is believed to be inside the residence, according to the department.

Deputies have established communication with the suspect, who is a military veteran and is going through a mental health crisis, Carpenter said.

They also messaged the man: “If the suspect is watching the news or reading this statement, we ask that you work with and trust the person you are speaking to on the phone. They try to help you. They want to take you to a safe place.

Deputies evacuated eight homes in the area and closed Skyline and Longdale drives, as well as Myra Street in Palm Street. At noon, the standoff was still in progress.

The Lemon Grove Early Childhood Education Center has been placed on lockdown as a precaution, but children can still move around campus and use the bathroom if necessary, the department said. The preschool is several blocks from the house in the center of the cul-de-sac.