Last night at about 7:33 pm, Azusa Police Department received a call regarding a domestic violence situation in the 200 block of E. Fifth Street. Police officers responded and spoke to the female victim outside of the residence. The officers learned that the suspect was the victim's husband, and that he had assaulted her during an argument.

The officers safely isolated the victim and their three children outside, while they also tried to speak with the suspect, who remained in the apartment. The victim told officers that the suspect had armed himself with a large knife before she fled the residence.

Officers spoke with the suspect through an open, front window, but he refused requests to exit and surrender. The suspect was very agitated and at times, pleaded with officers to take his life. When officers continued negotiations from a safe distance, the suspect threatened to confront or assault the police officers to the point that lethal intervention would be necessary - a scenario commonly referred to as "suicide by cop."

Specialists from the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health arrived at the scene to assist the officers in convincing the suspect to surrender peacefully, however, the suspect remained uncooperative.

After approximately five hours of failed negotiations, detectives obtained a search warrant and the Azusa Police Department's SWAT Team executed a tactical entry into the apartment. The suspect was safely detained without injury. No officers or bystanders were injured as well.

The 35 year-old male suspect was then transported to an area hospital for psychological evaluation. Criminal charges are pending for the suspect, and the victim was provided with assistance from a domestic violence advocate.