This morning, Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) officers engaged in a standoff with an armed suspect after responding to a disturbance report. According to a news release by the Santa Rosa Police Department, around 1:30 am, an officer was flagged down to address a situation where a man had allegedly brandished a firearm during a dispute. The victim identified the suspect, leading officers to a nearby address where the confrontation continued.
Upon arrival at the 2900 block of West Creek Lane, Santa Rosa, the officers found the suspect, David Lesley, 26, asleep in his car, with a handgun in clear view on the passenger seat. Despite their efforts using a patrol vehicle's PA system to give commands, the suspect, who appeared to be still asleep or did not hear, did not immediately respond. Bringing the SRPD Armored Response Vehicle to the scene provided a tactical advantage and cover for law enforcement present. A drone operator was also part of the operation, using the technology to visualize the suspect's movements through the vehicle's windshield.
A drawn-out negotiation phase followed, during which the suspect eventually woke up and was subsequently taken into custody without further trouble. SRPD's press release detailed a loaded, unregistered 9mm handgun was recovered from the vehicle. Additionally, after suspect contact, authorities suspected intoxication, which a DUI investigation conducted by an SRPD Accident Investigator later confirmed.
Lesley now faces multiple charges, including brandishing a weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, possession of an unregistered firearm, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
