Early this morning, at around 3:45 A.M., chaos ensued at a facility in Fontana when a man reportedly broke the window of a business and engaged in a threatening standoff with employees. The suspect was identified as 66-year-old Michael Murrietta, a transient of Fontana, who is said to have acted erratically before and during the incident at the Merrill Crisis Center.
The Fontana Sheriff’s Station deputies were called to the scene after Murrietta attempted to break into the facility. Further into the situation, he successfully shattered the front window, entering the building and wielding a shard of broken glass to terrorize staff members. The employees found themselves retreating for safety, as detailed in a statement released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.
Authorities were able to peacefully subdue the situation without injury, eventually arresting Murrietta. Their de-escalation efforts seem to have paid off, as he was taken into custody calmly, avoiding an escalation of violence or harm. According to the Sheriff’s Department report, once booked at the West Valley Detention Center, it was discovered that Murrietta had hidden drug paraphernalia on his person.
He now faces charges including Assault With a Deadly Weapon, Vandalism, and Bringing Drug Paraphernalia Into a Jail. The situation, although resolved without casualties, highlights concerns of safety and the state of mental health interventions in the area. The Fontana Sheriff’s Station is actively seeking information from anyone who may know more about this incident and encourages confidential tips through their hotline or the We-Tip website. Deputy J. Gomez and Sergeant J. Ruiz are the point of contact for this ongoing investigation, with the case number 032502519 catering to the particulars of the occurrence.
