UPDATE: A 34-year-old man has been arrested in La Mesa after allegedly threatening an 11-year-old child with a knife and making threats towards police officers. The incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon at an apartment on Comanche Drive.
La Mesa Police received an urgent report of a man wielding a knife, nearly striking the child. Upon arrival, officers encountered Peter DePrince, who allegedly made “veiled threats” about shooting them from his balcony. Thankfully, the child and an adult female were able to escape the apartment before the situation escalated further.
Authorities quickly evacuated neighboring apartments as a precaution. The child and the adult reported that they had seen DePrince arming himself with the knife just before they fled. The La Mesa Police Special Response Team and the San Diego Sheriff’s Emergency Negotiations Team were deployed to manage the situation.
After nearly three hours of tense negotiations, DePrince emerged from the apartment unarmed at approximately 3:34 P.M. He was taken into custody and now faces serious charges, including Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Felony Child Endangerment.
The child was evaluated at Rady Children’s Hospital and is currently in the care of a local family member. Fortunately, the child did not sustain any major injuries during the ordeal, having not been struck by the knife.
This alarming incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety in residential areas and the urgent need for community vigilance. As investigations continue, La Mesa Police urge anyone with additional information to come forward.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as authorities work to ensure community safety.
