UPDATE: Domestic violence suspect in custody after hours-long standoff in west Modesto
Update: Modesto police have arrested the domestic violence suspect after an hours-long standoff at a west Modesto home.
Jessie Varela, 37, is to be booked on suspicion of making criminal threats, discharging a firearm and multiple weapons charges as a result of his actions during a family disturbance Sunday night on Sandburg Avenue.
Varela is suspected of making threats toward family members and at one point shooting a gun in the air, said Modesto Police Department spokeswoman Sharon Bear.
Varela was not at the home when officers responded Sunday night but returned Monday morning. Officers went to the home around 9 a.m. and stayed for hours while Varela was holed up inside.
At about 1:30 p.m., Varela came out of the house and surrendered, Bear said.
Original story: Modesto police have surrounded a home in west Modesto where a domestic violence suspect is believed to be holed up.
Officers are on Sandburg Avenue, southwest of Maze Boulevard and Emerald Avenue, using a loudspeaker to attempt to get the suspect to surrender.
Modesto Police Department spokeswoman Sharon Bear said the initial “family disturbance” call happened previously and the suspect is believed to be alone inside the home.
Bear did not have additional details about the family disturbance, including when it occurred, how many people it involved and if anyone was seriously injured.
Nearby schools were placed on lockdown at 9:26 a.m. but the lockdowns were lifted at 11:15 a.m., Bear said. Officers remain at the home.
This story was originally published September 19, 2022 at 10:50 AM.
