Neighborhoods evacuated, suspect arrested in gun incident

Luis Martin Barron, 30, arrested

– Luis Martin Barron, 30, was arrested on July 1 for the unlawful discharge of a weapon in San Luis Obispo, according to a press release from the San Luis Obispo Police Department.

The incident began late on June 30 when the police department received reports of gunshots near the 1500 block of Madonna Road. Responding officers did not find evidence of gunshots at that time. Early the next morning, a resident on the same block reported finding a bullet hole in the trunk of their vehicle.

Following an investigation, officers determined that Barron was the suspect in the firing of the gun. At approximately 5:15 p.m. on July 1, SLOPD received a 911 call reporting that Barron was banging on a neighbor’s door and window while holding a gun. Officers responded immediately to the apartment complex and located Barron, who retreated into his apartment and refused to come out.

The San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT Team was called to assist. A perimeter around the residence was established, and adjacent apartments and apartment buildings were evacuated. Officers attempted to contact Barron via loudspeaker without success. The SLOPD Crisis Negotiators then reached Barron via cell phone and spoke with him for several hours in an attempt to de-escalate the situation and negotiate a peaceful resolution.

At approximately 11:26 p.m., Barron exited the apartment and was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the San Luis Obispo County Jail and will be charged with felony unlawful discharge of a weapon.

The San Luis Obispo Fire Department, the California Highway Patrol, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, and Cal Fire assisted with the incident.