Alleged 'Peeping Tom' Arrested After Standoff With Sonoma Co. Deputies

SONOMA COUNTY, CA -- An allegedly violent suspect with a history of peeping into his neighbors' windows was taken into custody in Larkfield Tuesday following a two-hour standoff, authorities with the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.

Deputies were familiar with the suspect, Andrew Haas, because they had responded to recent incidents involving Haas at the Lavell Village apartment complex. In the latest incident Tuesday, Sonoma County sheriff's Sgt. Spencer Crum said deputies responded around 4 p.m. to the complex near U.S. Highway 101 and Mark West Springs Road regarding a report from a resident that Haas was peering into cars in the parking lot.

Haas had a misdemeanor warrant out for his arrest on suspicion of peeping into a neighbor's window April 3, Crum said. Deputies had also been to the apartment complex the night of Friday, June 2 when Haas got into an altercation with his neighbors after he was allegedly again caught looking into apartment windows.

"When confronted, Haas pulled out a kitchen knife and held it in a threatening manner and retreated into his apartment," Crum said, regarding the June 2 incident. "Deputies attempted to get Haas to come out of his apartment but he refused and due to the time of night, forced entry could not legally be made. Deputies took a crime report for additional charges against Haas."

When deputies returned to the complex Tuesday, Haas retreated into his apartment, according to the sergeant.

"He made numerous threats against the deputies, threatening to kill them," Crum said. "He held up a knife from his window in a threatening manner towards deputies. Deputies continued to negotiate with Haas in an attempt to get him to come out cooperatively but Haas continued to refuse. After over an hour of negotiations, deputies attempted to deescalate the situation by pulling away from the complex and watching from a distance."

At about 6 p.m. when deputies saw Haas exit his apartment and walk toward Lavell Road, they ordered him to the ground but he turned to flee, according to the sergeant.

An on-scene patrol dog bit Haas’ arm as "Haas aggressively fought with deputies and tried to reach for his front pockets," Crum said.

Haas was Tasered and then handcuffed.

"A search revealed two 6-inch kitchen knives in his pockets that he had been reaching for," Crum said.

Haas was transported to a hospital to be treated for dog bite wounds, then taken to Sonoma County Jail where he was booked on suspicion of felony threats to a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer and exhibiting a deadly weapon.

His bail was set at $30,000, according to Crum.

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