SWAT TEAM CALLED FOR ARMED BARRICADED SUSPECT IN MORONGO VALLEY

The County Sheriff’s responded to a Morongo Valley home last night in what turned into an all-night standoff with SWAT team and air support. About 7:50 p.m. the Sheriff’s department received a call from the suspect’s mother after 35-year-old Luke Schrader began demonstrating bizarre and violent behavior. According to the Sheriff’s department, Schrader assaulted his elderly father who sustained a laceration under his left eye. Morongo Valley Paramedics treated and released the victim at the scene. Schrader barricaded himself into the family home in the 49200 block of Buena Vista near Juniper Road. Schrader, armed with a shotgun, refused to come out of the house. Schrader could be heard yelling incoherently or about fear of the “Mexican Mafia.” Sheriff’s evacuated neighbors, which is standard procedure whenever a SWAT team is deployed. With the home surrounded attempts to negotiate with Schrader by telephone stretched out until almost sunrise. At about 5:45 a.m. this morning tear gas grenades were deployed and Schrader surrendered. He was taken into custody without additional incident.