A multi-hour police standoff on Madison Avenue in Redwood City ended last Saturday with the arrest of a 37-year-old man who officers say assaulted a family member and then barricaded himself inside a home. The incident unfolded in the 1000 block of Madison Avenue, where police say a 21-year-old was left unconscious after an alleged assault. Negotiators ultimately convinced the suspect to surrender without anyone else getting hurt.
Redwood City police said the man was booked into the San Mateo County jail on suspicion of felony assault and resisting or delaying officers. During the response, officers also served a previously unserved restraining order and obtained a new emergency protective order tied to the case.
Barricade, negotiation and arrest
In a press release, the Redwood City Police identified the suspect as 37-year-old Orlando Escobedo Avila. Investigators described the call as a disturbance involving family members and said the victim reported being strangled and briefly losing consciousness.
Press Release: SRT Arrests Barricaded Felony Assault Suspect https://t.co/42tBm7yshh
— Redwood City Police (@RedwoodCityPD) July 20, 2026
According to the department, Escobedo Avila stayed inside the Madison Avenue residence for several hours while crisis negotiators worked to bring the situation under control. Police say he eventually walked out and surrendered, and no officers or other civilians were injured during the arrest.
SRT and regional response
The incident drew in the regional Special Response Team and Crisis Negotiation Unit, which local departments activate for higher-risk situations such as barricades and potential hostage calls. The Menlo Park budget book notes that cities like Redwood City contribute officers and equipment to this shared SRT, giving smaller agencies access to tactical specialists without maintaining a full-time, standalone unit.
Charges and custody
Police say Escobedo Avila was booked into the San Mateo County Maguire Correctional Facility and is awaiting a review of the case by prosecutors. The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office operates Maguire as the county's primary jail and handles local bookings and pretrial custody.
Redwood City investigators said they will compile reports, witness statements and other evidence and forward the case to the District Attorney's Office for a charging decision.
Police ask the public for help
Detectives are still piecing together what happened before officers arrived. In the same police update, investigators asked anyone with information to contact the Redwood City Police Department at (650) 780-7100. They are especially interested in any video of the incident or surrounding activity.
Police noted that tips can be submitted anonymously and said the scene is secure as they continue to collect evidence and interview witnesses. Officials reminded residents to use the department's main line for non-emergencies and to call 911 for any immediate threats or emergencies.
