x
Breaking News
More () »

Mountain View standoff suspect pleads not guilty, judge denies bail

68-year-old Reginald Smith, a former corrections officer, faces several counts of Assault on a Peace Officer with a firearm

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — A man at the center of a nearly-30 hour standoff in Mountain View earlier this week was arraigned Friday afternoon.

68-year-old Reginald Smith pled not guilty to several charges, including Assault on a Peace Officer with a Firearm.

Smith had been scheduled to appear in court for days, but delays pushed back his appearance until Friday.

In court, prosecutors told the judge Smith wasn't even supposed to have any weapons because he had been served with a gun violence restraining order in August. He also said Smith has had at least three restraining orders filed against him from neighbors. 

Through his public defender, Smith told the judge he's a former corrections officer with a clean record.

The judge ordered he be held without bail.

On Sunday, officers responded to a radio call in the 4500 block of T Street at about 8:30 a.m., when several 911 callers reported that a neighbor, the 68-year-old, allegedly had fired a shot while waving a pistol around and threatening to kill them, according to the San Diego Police Department.

A SWAT team and police negotiators were at the home from early Sunday morning and overnight into Monday afternoon trying to talk Smith out of the home after he allegedly fired a gun at a house. Initial reports said Smith pointed a gun at a neighbor and threatened to kill the person, the lieutenant said.

"Officers responded and tried to get the man to come outside," Sharki said. "He refused. Emergency negotiators and the SWAT team were called. The situation is active and ongoing."

At around 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, Smith shot at least one round at officers, Sharki confirmed to CBS 8. San Diego Police then asked neighbors in the area to shelter in place.

CBS 8 uncovered one restraining order filed just weeks ago from a neighbor who claimed Smith had harassed him on several occasions and feared that if police didn't intervene, it could lead to violence.

Other neighbors told CBS 8 that Smith has lived in the area for several decades and was friendly and helpful for many years, but all of that changed a few years ago when he wife was diagnosed with a terminal illness and the stress greatly affected Smith's mental health.

They say things went from bad to worse after she passed away. "It just got hard for him," said neighbor Genel Wynn. "She was his rock. He was always going places with her. They always traveled and did everything together."

Neighbors also say that police have visited Smith's home several times over the past year and they're glad he was taken into custody without any serious injuries.

WATCH RELATED: SWAT standoff in Mountain View neighborhood ends after nearly 30 hours, suspect in custody (August 22, 2022)

    

 

Before You Leave, Check This Out