Orange County Varsity Coach Charged For 10-Hour Police Standoff

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA — A north Orange County former varsity football coach faced multiple charges Wednesday regarding his start of a police standoff, while armed, in an El Modena High School classroom according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

26-year-old Michael James Snitzler, a Santa Ana resident, is a former El Modena High School varsity football coach. OCDA alleges that he initiated the 10-hour standoff with police while armed in one of the school's classrooms in April, when he was being investigated for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17- year-old student.

Two days following the April 23 standoff, Snitzler was charged with possessing a firearm in a school zone, discharging or attempting to discharge a firearm in a gun-free school zone -- all of which are felonies -- and possession of ammunition on school property, a misdemeanor, according to Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas.

On Wednesday, the district attorney's office filed additional charges against Snitzler related to his alleged sexual relationship with a minor including unlawful sexual intercourse and child annoyance.

The drama at the school, located at 3900 block of E. Spring St., unfolded at 11 a.m. on April 23 when the Snitzler's brother -- who was inside the school with him -- called Orange police, Orange Sgt. Jen Amat told City News Service.

Snitzler surrendered to police about 8:45 p.m., Amat said. No one was hurt.

"Our negotiators (talked) to him for several hours and finally convinced him to give himself up peacefully," Amat said.

Police found a gun inside the school, she said.

Snitzler was employed as an assistant varsity football coach during the time he was alleged to have been involved with the student.

In February, Snitzler was accused of meeting the student and communicating with the victim via text messages. In March, Snitzler was accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with the student, according to Rackauckas.

The charges Snitzler is facing could result in a more than 10-year prison sentence, according to Rackauckas.

Snitzler is currently in custody being held in lieu of $30,000 bail. His next scheduled court appearance is May 12 at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Photo, courtesy Orange Police Department