South Orange County Neighborhood On Lockdown After Man Fires Rifle

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — A man accused of firing a gun several times in his South Orange County residence was arrested Saturday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said.

Deputies were called to the 31000 block of Golden Lantern in reference to a wellness check involving a man who had fired a rifle inside the home during a family disturbance, authorities said.

Family members evacuated the home, though it was not immediately known how many people lived at the residence.

The surrounding neighborhood was also briefly placed on lockdown because the man continued firing his weapon after the house was evacuated, police said.

According to The Orange County Register, a few gunshots almost hit deputies outside the house, as well as a sheriff’s helicopter. It was not immediately clear if the man was intentionally firing at law enforcement, OCSD Sgt. Frank Gonzalez told the newspaper, and deputies did not return fire.

The man surrendered peacefully about an hour and a half after authorities called SWAT officers to the scene. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and his name was not released.

No further information was immediately available.