Armed suspect involved in confrontation arrested; suspect device deemed safe

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Authorities arrested a man Tuesday in La Mesa after he fired several beanbag rounds at the suspect, who then grabbed what appeared to be a handgun, police said.

Around 6:48 a.m., police received multiple 9-1-1 calls regarding a person brandishing a knife and walking down the street in the 5800 block of Kelton Avenue, Katy Lynch of the La Mesa Police Department said in a news release.

When officers arrived on scene, the man, who appeared to be connected to a white Toyota Yaris parked on the sidewalk, was still armed with the knife. Police said he then pulled a handgun out of a bag and placed it on the sidewalk next to him.

“Officers requested additional resources and attempted to de-escalate the situation, but he continued to pace the street or sit on the curb next to the handgun,” Lynch said.

About 20 minutes later, the suspect reached for his handgun when an officer fired several rounds from a rifle. The suspect, identified as Bryce Segaux, 36, of Inglewood, was quickly taken into custody.

Officers discovered a suspicious device consisting of several red five-gallon tanks while searching the suspect's vehicle.

The San Diego Sheriff's Bomb Squad was called to the scene and temporarily evacuated several residents from the area, but the device was not determined to be explosive. All residents were able to return home by 10 a.m.

The handgun recovered at the scene was confirmed to be a replica, however, the suspect was found to have an outstanding felony warrant out of Los Angeles and will be booked into the county jail.

Kelton Avenue, between El Paso Street and Zeta Street, was temporarily closed for several hours during the incident.