ESCALON – Today’s standoff on Escalon Bellota Road leads to an arrest of a 31 year old man.

NOTICE: The listing of a name on this Website does not imply of that person’s guilt or innocence. This can only be determined by a court of law.

 
Press Release – Police Activity on Escalon Ave.

On February 11th at approx. 12:51 PM Escalon Police were sent to a home in the 17000 block of Escalon Ave. when the 48 year old male called to report that Eric Cummings, 31 years, was inside the victims home and threaten to kill him while brandishing a knife at the victim. Cummings also broke out three windows and a large glass coffee table in the home. The victim fled the home running to a neighbor’s residence to call police and in doing so cut his hands trying to escape from Cummings. The victim had been allowing Cummings to stay with him in an effort to help,him since he had no where else to stay.
Upon the arrival of our units, attempts were made to communicate with Cummings by telephone, as well as verbally and by using a public announcement system on one of the patrol cars. All information received indicated Cummings was still inside and refusing to communicate. Information indicated he may be suffering from possible mental health issues.
Due to his refusal to communicate, additional officers were requested from Ripon Police to assist. The preschool directly south of the location was advised and went into lockdown for precautions. The lockdown lasted approx. one hour. Escalon Fire and Ambulance also responded to stage and attend to the victim’s injuries. With the assistance of our public works personnel traffic was divert and both north and south bound lanes were closed. County mental health personnel were also on scene to assist.
Upon arrival of additional officers, entry was made into the residence. The locked security screen door and front door were forced open and officers entered the home. Inside they located Cummings lying on a bed, initially with his hands covered. He was taken into custody without incident. Located on the bed next to him were a box cutter and knife. The knife was identified as the weapon he used to threaten the victim. Additionally a large screwdriver approx. 8 to 10 inches from handle to tip was found concealed between the mattress and box spring within reach of Cummings.
Cummings was transported to San Joaquin County jail and booked for the following criminal charges; 422 PC threatening to commit a crime which will result in death or great bodily injury to another person, 594 PC vandalism exceeding $400 in damage, and 417 PC brandishing a weapon. 
Agencies assisting Escalon Police were cleared from the incident at approx. 2:20 PM, while Escalon Police continued and completed their investigation.

Narrative Source – Escalon Police Department.