A standoff is underway in Rancho Cordova as a suspected arsonist has barricaded himself inside a home and is threatening to set it on fire, prompting a large law enforcement response and nearby evacuations, authorities said Friday.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to reports of an incident at a residence on the 3000 block of Ramsgate Way, near Mather Field Road, early Friday morning. When officers arrived, they encountered a man inside the home who refused to come out and allegedly made threats to ignite the structure.
Due to the escalating situation, the sheriff’s office deployed a SWAT team and crisis negotiators to the scene in an attempt to bring the suspect into custody safely. The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District also responded to the area after reports of a structure fire, though details on the extent of the fire remain unclear.
Authorities have closed a portion of Ramsgate Way between Croydon Way and Portsmouth Drive, urging the public to avoid the area as the standoff continues.
As a precaution, law enforcement evacuated several neighboring homes in case the suspect follows through on his threats to set fire to the residence. It is unclear how many people were displaced.
Officials have not disclosed what led to the incident or provided details about the suspect, including his identity or any possible criminal history. It remains unknown whether the suspect is armed.
The situation remains fluid as law enforcement continues efforts to negotiate with the individual. Residents are urged to stay clear of the area and follow any official updates from authorities.
UPDATE 10:48 AM: A home in the area of the standoff is now burning and firefighters from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department are working to battle the flames with multiple units. At this time no additional information on the situation has been released by authorities.
UPDATE 12:10 PM: The suspect reportedly traveled from the backyard of the burning home into a hole in the fence that law enforcement had previously created with a battery ram. After walking through the opening with his hands up, he then reportedly turned to go back into the area when deputies used non lethal force and apprehended him shortly thereafter. Much of the home was reportedly destroyed by fire and the scene is expected to have heavy law enforcement and fire personnel on scene for several hours as they mop up the scene and further investigate.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they become available.