By SDCN Editor
Oceanside, CA–A man was taken into custody after he broke into a residence, and threatened the homeowners with a weapon on Monday in Oceanside, according to Oceanside police.
Oceanside police responded to a call at 7:15 a.m. from a resident who stated an adult family member, who had been evicted from the residence eight months prior, was refusing to leave the home located in the 3900 block of Pala Road.
When officers arrived on the scene, they contacted the man, 23-year-old Nathan Elwood. Mental health and housing resources were offered to him, according to authorities. He was cooperative and compliant with the homeowner’s wishes for him to leave the premises.
Approximately 30 minutes later, Elwood returned and broke into the home through a window, reportedly armed with a knife. The residents fled to a neighbor’s home for safety, when the suspect followed after them. A neighbor attempted to detain Elwood, when he produced what appeared to be a firearm, pointing it at the neighbor. At that time the neighbor and residents retreated into the neighbor’s home and contacted Oceanside police.
When officers arrived at the residence, Elwood refused to exit the home, but officers were able to establish communication with him. Out of an abundance of caution, officers cleared the area and positioned an armored rescue vehicle to assist with the containment.
Over the course of the next two hours, officers worked to diffuse the volatile situation, talking with Elwood and offering him opportunities to exit the residence. At approximately 10 a.m., he moved to the front of the residence where he was taken into custody following utilization of less-than-lethal options. A BB gun, indistinguishable from a handgun, was recovered at the scene.
Elwood was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and burglary.