SWAT Standoff in Unincorporated El Cajon 

July 26, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that a man is in custody after an hours-long standoff in the East County. 

On Thursday, July 24, around noon, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force (FTF) located wanted felony suspect Joseph Gonsalves (49) at a home in the 900 block of Silverbrook Drive in unincorporated El Cajon. Gonsalves had an outstanding warrant for felony domestic violence. He was also wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation being conducted by detectives from the Alpine Sheriff's Station.

The FTF coordinated with Sheriff's Detectives in obtaining a search warrant for the home. Due to the high-risk nature of the situation, the Sheriff's Special Enforcement Detail (SED/SWAT) was called in to serve the warrant.

SED/SWAT Deputies attempted to contact Gonsalves just before 6:00 p.m. He ignored all lawful commands to surrender and then barricaded himself inside the home along with a woman. Both Gonsalves and the woman remained in the house for hours and refused to speak with deputies.

Gonsalves yelled several threats from the home, including threatening to kill deputies if they entered. 

Not knowing if the woman was willingly staying inside the home or being held against her will, deputies attempted to send a drone inside the home. Gonsalves attacked the drone and rendered it inoperable. Deputies introduced chemical agents inside the home in order to get Gonsalves and the woman to leave. Eventually, the woman exited the home. 

After speaking with deputies, it was determined the woman was not being held against her will and was not the victim of a crime. She was treated for chemical exposure at the scene and released. 

Gonsalves continued to refuse to leave the home. Several more attempts were made to deescalate the situation and have Gonsalves exit the home peacefully. He refused to comply. 

Around midnight, SED/SWAT Deputies along with a Sheriff's K-9 made their way into the home to take Gonsalves into custody. No deputies were hurt. Gonsalves was taken to a hospital for treatment related to injuries sustained during the standoff. 

Gonsalves was charged with felony domestic violence, criminal threats toward a public officer and felony vandalism. Further charges may be added once the investigation is completed.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office