Sheriff’s deputies have identified the man who was shot and killed Thursday following an all-day hostage standoff with a SWAT team as Eric Sandoval, 41, of Yucca Valley. Deputies were called to a home in the 4700 block of Warren Vista Avenue about 12:40 p.m. Wednesday after the victim notified her family that Sandoval was holding her hostage inside his home at gunpoint and threatening violence.
Responding deputies called in trained negotiators and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team to help mediate with Sandoval. The standoff and negotiations went on through the night. Shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday, SWAT officers at the scene heard gunshots coming from the residence. They entered the house and discovered the victim with a gunshot wound. An officer-involved-shooting ensued between a SWAT officer and Eric Sandoval, who died at the scene. The woman was airlifted to the hospital and is in critical but stable condition. No officers were injured. Sheriff’s homicide has assumed the investigation. The name of the victim is being withheld.
