La Mesa Man Arrested After Knife Threats Near Child

A man from La Mesa was arrested on Saturday afternoon after allegedly threatening a child and police officers with a knife. The incident unfolded at an apartment complex located off Comanche Drive, where 34-year-old Peter DePrince was reported to be wielding a knife, endangering an 11-year-old child.

Upon receiving the call, officers from the La Mesa Police Department quickly arrived at the scene. According to police reports, DePrince made “veiled threats” towards the officers, suggesting he would shoot them from the balcony of the apartment. Fortunately, the child and a female adult were able to leave the apartment safely before the situation escalated further.

Witnesses reported that DePrince appeared to be arming himself as the child and adult exited the apartment. Following the initial report, police took precautionary measures by evacuating surrounding apartments to ensure the safety of residents.

The incident escalated when the La Mesa Police Special Response Team and the San Diego Sheriff’s Emergency Negotiations Team were called in to assist. After approximately three hours of negotiation, DePrince exited the apartment unarmed around 15:34 (3:34 PM) and was taken into custody. He faces charges including Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Felony Child Endangerment.

Following the incident, the child was taken to Rady Children’s Hospital for evaluation. Fortunately, the child did not suffer any major injuries and was later placed in the care of a local family member.

This incident highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding safety and the potential risks posed by individuals in crisis situations. The swift response from the La Mesa Police and accompanying agencies likely prevented a more serious outcome.