Man found dead at scene of Palmdale barricade identified

Authorities Tuesday identified a man who was found dead at a home in Palmdale where another person was taken into custody following a lengthy standoff with sheriff's deputies.

Members of the Special Enforcement Bureau surrounded the home on the 37400 block of Oxford Drive about 1:50 p.m. Saturday after deputies had gone there to check on the welfare of someone at that address, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.

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Deputies entered the residence and found Alex Betancourt, 69, of Palmdale, dead, according to the county Department of Medical Examiner and the sheriff's department. A post-mortem examination was pending, and no cause of death was listed.

A news videographer at the scene said neighbors told him a pool maintenance man discovered a bloody scene at the home, and arriving deputies called SEB personnel when they learned a suspect was inside.

Surrounding homes were evacuated for residents' safety, sheriff's officials said.

After several hours and under cover of darkness, video showed an armored vehicle break a second-story window and appear to launch flash-bang devices inside.

At 9:22 p.m., the sheriff's department reported the tactical response was over and neighbors were allowed to return to their homes.

A man described only as a "suspect" was taken into custody, and homicide detectives were called to the home. No other details have been released, and the investigation was ongoing, the sheriff's department said.

Anyone with information was encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.

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