SWAT Team Takes in 'Wanted, Dangerous' San Mateo Man After Standoff

A San Mateo man is facing several charges following a standoff that prompted a SWAT response in town Monday night.

The man, identified as 27-year-old Shabo Atasuntsev, was taken into custody at 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, after about four hours of police looking for him.

It all started just before 9 p.m. Monday, when SMPD spotted a “known wanted person”— believed to be armed with a knife— who ran into an apartment building at 2727 Edison Street, according to police.

The building was evacuated, and police set up a perimeter.

Here’s more from an SMPD news release on what happened next:

After establishing that the suspect had apparently barricaded himself into his apartment, and taking into account his violent history and the possibility he may be armed with deadly weapons, SMPD activated the North County Regional SWAT Team for a tactical response.

After numerous unsuccessful attempts to make contact and establish a negotiation with the suspect, the Tactical Team conducted an entry into the residence and discovered the suspect hiding on an adjacent balcony. SWAT safely took the suspect into custody at 12:40 am.

Evacuated residents were allowed back into their homes by 1:00 am and an “all clear” telephonic message was sent out to the small number of affected residences shortly thereafter.

According to the police agency, Atasuntsev was arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, armed robbery (with a knife), and criminal threats related to a case from Sunday, along with an outstanding warrant for his arrest on another case.

“The San Mateo Police Department wishes to thank the members of the San Mateo community for their cooperation, and especially those residents who were temporarily displaced for their patience and for the expression of gratitude (applause) for our officers as they exited the building,” police said. “Many of these officers stayed hours beyond their normal shift to ensure a safe resolution to this incident, and we appreciate your support.”