A tense standoff in Apple Valley came to an end Thursday afternoon when SWAT intervened to resolve a family threat situation. Matthew Wolford, 41, was taken into custody after he had threatened to harm his family members, which included his elderly father, officials said, as reported by the SBSD - Victor Valley Sheriff's Department.
Authorities were called to the scene on the 10000 block of Merino Ave. shortly past noon when a caller reported that Wolford was making threats. Once deputies arrived, they discovered Wolford had barricaded himself and his father inside the house. It took negotiators about 2 and a half hours to successfully convince Wolford to safely exit the home, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
In a statement obtained by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department, Wolford was apprehended without further incident. Fortunately, his father was found inside the residence unharmed.
The ordeal, although resolved without physical injury, has left a mark on the quiet Apple Valley neighborhood, reminding residents that crises can quickly unfold even behind closed doors. The Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station encourages anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact Sergeant D. Rodriguez at 760-552-6800. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or their website, www.wetip.com.
