Hostage negotiators were called to San Juan Bautista on Tuesday, Feb. 23, following reports of a barricaded man reportedly armed with a bow, arrows and a baseball bat. It was reported that 57-year-old Marco Cecena had been shooting arrows from his apartment.
When San Benito County sheriff's deputies arrived at 57 Muckelemi St. around 10:10 p.m., they say Cecena stated that he intended to kill them and others. "He was damaging his residence and threatening neighbors," the department said in a press release. "Neighbors in the immediate vicinity were evacuated."
Two hostage negotiators from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Hostage arrived to assist, after which Cecena then called 911 and reported there was an injured and badly-bleeding female in the residence with him. The Monterey County Sheriff’s SWAT Team responded and negotiations continued. Hearing what sounded like a woman crying, and after approximately three hours of attempted negotiations, deputies forced entry into the residence. Officials said that Cecena fought briefly and was taken into custody with minor injuries. No female was discovered in the residence, though multiple knives and a hammer were secured. The bow and arrows were found to be toys.
After a medical clearance, Cecena was booked into the San Benito County Jail on charges of false report of an emergency, obstructing/resisting an officer and harassing emergency responders.
"The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office is grateful to have an agreement for SWAT services with our valued neighbors, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office," the local sheriff's office said in the press release.