Man Surrenders After Police Standoff
An armed South Pasadena man who barricaded himself in his home Thursday morning after threatening authorities as they attempted to remove his dogs surrendered peacefully, police said, and was booked for investigation of brandishing a weapon.
Joseph Perusich, 55, was arrested by South Pasadena police after officers surrounded his home in the 2000 block of La France Avenue and persuaded him to surrender, Police Chief Thomas Mahoney said. During the 45-minute standoff, Perusich threatened officers with a shotgun and handgun, though no shots were fired, Mahoney said. The shotgun and pistol were seized as evidence.
The incident began at about 10:25 a.m. Thursday after South Pasadena Police Animal Control Officer Ray Magallanes and Los Angeles County Humane Society Officer Larry Morales impounded two unsecured dogs found on the street, police said. Perusich reportedly came out of his home and grabbed one of the dogs, ran back inside, and returned threatening the officers with a 12-gauge shotgun. Perusich then retreated inside until police persuaded him to surrender.
“It became apparent he was not a dangerous man--just someone having a very bad day,” Mahoney said.
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