A Standoff In Burson

Burson, CA — A Swat team surrounded a Burson home for nearly six hours before an armed suspect was arrested. The incident happened on Thursday around 5 pm.

Calaveras County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to a home on the 10000 block of South Camanche Parkway for a report of 31-year-old Lee Matthew Smith shooting at propane tanks in the front of the house.  Upon arrival, deputies surrounded the home and alerted neighbors. Deputies attempted to contact Smith, but he refused to answer his door and phone so the Calaveras County SWAT team was called in along with the Hostage Negotiation Team.

Using a PA system for several hours, the negotiator tried to get Smith to come out of the home without success. Calaveras County Sheriff’s Officials report Smith suddenly came running out of the back of the house where he was caught by deputies.

Smith had several active warrants for his arrest. He is also a convicted felon, which prohibits him from possessing a firearm. Smith was booked into the Calaveras County Jail for Willful Discharge of a Firearm in a Grossly and Negligent Manner, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer, Felon in Possession of Ammunition and Warrants. His bail is set at $42,500.

Click here for a map of the arrest site.