CLEARLAKE — An alleged drive-by shooting in the area of Huron and Cass avenues in Clearlake led to a night-long stand-off between authorities and the suspect Saturday night into Sunday morning. Ameni Kawmen Crockett, 36, of Clearlake was arrested following an ordeal that lasted in excess of eight hours.
Clearlake Police responded to the area of Huron and Cass avenues at approximately 10:37 p.m. following several reports of shots fired. According to Chief McClain, investigation of the shooting determined a vehicle and a boat were hit by gunshot.
McClain said while en route, an officer was flagged down and informed that a suspect allegedly involved in the drive-by was followed to Lakeland Trailer Park, space No. 24. McClain said that police experienced previous contact with the residence and were familiar with the resident, identified as Crockett. Officers attempted to make contact; however, Chief McClain said that Crockett refused to answer the phone.
Additional response was by Lake County Sheriff Department was requested, with deputies, a hostage negotiation team and SWAT responding. “Once the Sheriff”s Office was there with its hostage negotiation team, the negotiator used the public address (PA) system and got Crockett to answer the phone,” Chief McClain said. “He still refused to come out.”
McClain said that a search warrant to enter the residence was signed and secured by 7 a.m. Sunday morning. He said the SWAT team then proceeded with efforts to determine Crockett”s location within the residence using remote cameras. He said the cameras, which are contained inside a ball, were thrown through windows and/or other openings and ultimately provided visuals on the suspect”s location.
McClain said that the team then deployed gas and when the canisters were thrown into the house, Crockett came outside and surrendered himself.
No one was injured during the incident.
“The Sheriff”s Office and the SWAT team were very professional and did an outstanding job,” McClain said. “I can”t say enough about the job they did.”
Crockett was booked into Lake County Jail on several charges including possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, prohibited person owning ammunition, obstructing/resisting a peace officer, assault with a firearm, willful discharge of a firearm in a negligent manner, shooting at an unoccupied dwelling/vehicle, and exhibition of a firearm.
