Hostage situation unfolds in the South Bay; SDPD investigating as elder abuse case

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A tense hostage situation in the South Bay area Tuesday night ended without injuries, but the suspect remains at large, according to the San Diego Police Department.

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The incident occurred around 7:50 p.m. at a home on the 3500 block of Plumbago Lane in Otay Mesa West. Police say a male caller reported that his family members were being held at gunpoint inside the residence. While the exact relationships between those involved are still unclear, SDPD believes the suspect is the adult son of the couple who were taken hostage.

According to the authorities, the initial 911 call may have come from the suspect's sibling. Officers were told that the suspect had held his parents at gunpoint, and that gunshots were heard during the ordeal.

Multiple individuals were reportedly speaking Spanish inside the residence as events unfolded. Eventually, the mother was able leave the home, but the suspect continued to hold the father hostage for a period of time, according to initial reports.

By 8:56 p.m., SDPD officers approached the home and began clearing the residence. At 9:16 p.m., the situation was declared "Code 4," indicating no further immediate threat. However, officers did not locate the suspect inside, and no arrests were made at the scene.

Police say surveillance cameras in the area were reviewed, but did not capture anyone leaving the residence. No injuries were reported.

The case has since been reclassified as a "Code 245" — assault with a deadly weapon — with an additional suspicion of elder abuse. The SDPD Elder Abuse Unit is now leading the investigation.

The suspect’s whereabouts remain unknown, and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact authorities or Crime Stoppers at 619-235-8477.