After Hours-Long Standoff, Fairfield Man Arrested 'Peacefully,' Police Say

SOLANO COUNTY, CA -- Police have released more information regarding an hours-long standoff Thursday in Fairfield that ended with the Fairfield Police Department SWAT team deploying tear gas into a home in the 1400 block of Michigan Street. In a statement released Friday afternoon, Fairfield police said they initially responded to a report of domestic disturbance at 3:09 p.m. at the home off Travis Boulevard.

The disturbance was between Steven James Douglas, 31, and his mother, police said. As officers arrived, they reported hearing gunshots coming from the home's backyard, so a perimeter was set up around the residence. Officers safely removed Douglas' mother, who had already left the home, from the area; however, Douglas and his girlfriend remained inside.

Officers began negotiating with Douglas over the phone but he and his girlfriend reportedly refused to exit the house, so Fairfield Police Department's Crisis Negotiation and SWAT teams were summoned.

Meanwhile, police advise nearby residents to shelter in place.

>>Fairfield Police Deploy Tear Gas In Standoff; Detain 2 People

"Throughout the first few hours of the standoff, there was continual back and forth communication between Douglas and the negotiators, but it was not productive," police said in a statement. "Douglas refused to comply with the negotiators' requests and threatened to kill himself or to force officers to kill him.

"At one point during negotiations, Douglas fired another gunshot at an unknown target and subsequently also threatened to shoot at a California Highway Patrol helicopter that was patrolling above the home in support of the police response."

Police said negotiations continued but "were periodically disrupted by Douglas' refusal to talk."

It was after an "extended period with no communication with Douglas," that the SWAT team deployed tear gas into the home in order to coax him out.

At 8:19 p.m., both Douglas and his girlfriend exited the house, uninjured, police said.

SWAT officers detained the pair and after ensuring both were treated by paramedics for tear gas exposure, the woman was interviewed and released, police said.

Douglas was arrested and booked into Solano County jail on suspicion of shooting at an inhabited dwelling, reckless discharge of a firearm, threatening a peace office and probation violation.

Police advised of mental health resources available to the community, including the Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) and the Solano County Wellness Recovery Resource Guide.