URGENT UPDATE: A 34-year-old man has been arrested in La Mesa after an alarming incident involving a knife and threats towards police. Authorities confirmed that Peter DePrince allegedly threatened an 11-year-old child and made menacing remarks about shooting officers from his balcony on November 18, 2025.
The incident unfolded around 12:30 P.M. when La Mesa Police received reports of a man brandishing a knife near Comanche Drive. Upon arrival, officers learned that DePrince had come dangerously close to the child, causing immediate concern for their safety.
As police approached, DePrince reportedly made ‘veiled threats’ towards them, escalating the situation. Fortunately, the child and an adult female were able to escape the apartment safely, prompting officers to evacuate neighboring residences.
A specialized response team, including the San Diego Sheriff’s Emergency Negotiations Team, was dispatched to the scene. After nearly three hours of tense negotiations, DePrince exited the apartment unarmed and was taken into custody at 3:34 P.M.. He faces serious charges, including Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Felony Child Endangerment.
The child, who was checked at Rady Children’s Hospital, did not sustain any major injuries during the incident and is now safe with a local family member. This frightening episode has left the community on edge, highlighting the urgent need for safety measures in residential areas.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter, and updates are expected as they assess the full scope of the situation. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement.
Stay tuned for more developments on this breaking story.
