SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Tanner Delacruz, 33, of South Lake Tahoe, was arrested on July 2, 2023 around 9 p.m. by South Lake Tahoe Police Department SWAT after refusing to surrender. Over the past couple weeks , SLTPD had been called to the 1200 block of Margaret Ave on multiple occasions for Delacruz acting in a violent and erratic behavior.

During the responses by SLTPD, it was learned Delacruz was habitually acting violent and unpredictable, throughout his neighborhood. On multiple occasions, Delacruz vandalized neighbors’ property , disturbed their peace,and trespassed on others’ property. A warrant to arrest Delacruz was issued for felony vandalism and disturbing the peace. A search warrant for Delacruz’s house was also granted. On July 2, around 2:30 p.m., SLTPD received yet another call about Delacruz acting violent and erratic towards his neighbors, in front of his house.

Officers quickly responded but Delacruz fled back into his home and refused to exit. Due to Delacruz’s unpredictable violent behavior and his known violent past, SLTPD SWAT and Crisis Negotiators were dispatched to handle the arrest.

Additionally, Delacruz was continuously creating a dangerous environment for the neighborhood affecting the quality of the life for the residents. Delacruz refused to surrender despite hours long attempts at negotiating for his surrender. Tear gas was deployed into the home, but Delacruz still refused to surrender.

During the standoff, a fire started in the home. South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue had been staged in the area and quickly extinguished the fire. After a fire investigation, the cause of the fire is still unclear.

SLTPD SWAT eventually made entry into the home. Once inside, SWAT determined Delacruz had barricaded himself in the crawlspace under the house. Crisis Negotiators were able to make verbal contact with Delacruz, who still refused to surrender. Oleoresin Capsicum, more commonly known as “pepper spray” was deployed into the crawl space. Delacruz finally exited the crawlspace but was still uncooperative. Delacruz threw a handful of dirt into a SLTPD Crisis Negotiator’s face as he exited the crawlspace and was being taken into custody.

Delacruz was not injured during the incident. Delacruz was immediately transported to Barton Hospital for medical clearance prior to booking. After being cleared Delacruz was booked into the El Dorado County on the following charges:

• 148(a)(1) PC – Resisting arrest, Misdemeanor
• 69(a) PC – Resisting arrest with violence, Felony
• 243(b) PC – Battery on a Peace Officer, Misdemeanor
• 594(b)(1) PC – Vandalism over $400 in damage, Felony
• 372PC – Public Nuisance, Misdemeanor
• 415(2 ) P C – Disturbingthe peace with loud / unreasonable noise, Misdemeanor

Delacruz remains in custody and his bail amount has yet to be set.

SLTPD said in a press release they would like to thank the neighborhood for their patience, assistance and understanding during the execution of this incident.