East County News Service
April 13, 2026 (Santee) — With help from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail (SWAT) team, an armed man who threatened deputies was arrested April 11 at his security systems business in Santee.
Deputies responded to reports of possible gunshots near North Magnolia Avenue around 12:33 a.m. Upon arrival, deputies checked the area and saw Robert Sanford, 45, entering his business suite at 10744 Rockville St., Suite 104.
Deputies believed that Sanford was holding a handgun as he entered the suite.
Deputies surrounded the property and attempted to contact Sanford via phone.
“He was uncooperative and refused to exit the building to speak with deputies,” says Captain Chris Katra. “During the incident, deputies observed possible bullet holes in a parking sign located in front of Sanford’s suite.”
A church was located 100 yards behind the sign.
Since Sanford was alone inside his business and no victims were identified, deputies returned at 7:16 a.m. and discovered “evidence indicating Sanford was in possession of a handgun and had made threats to shoot deputies if they entered his business,” according to Captain Katra.
Around 10:06 a.m., investigators obtained a search warrant for Sanford’s business suite.
With help from the SWAT team, the warrant was executed, and Sanford was taken into custody. During the search, detectives recovered a 9 millimeter handgun and multiple 9mm shell casings from the location.
Sanford was subsequently arrested for negligent discharge of a firearm and threats against peace officers. He was booked into San Diego Central Jail.