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Pacoima Man Arrested for Pellet Gun Threats in Burbank
Suspect threatened utility workers and police before extended standoff
Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:23pm
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A 38-year-old man from Pacoima was arrested after allegedly threatening Burbank Water and Power employees and Burbank Police officers with a pellet rifle. The incident led to an extended standoff with the SWAT team before the suspect was safely taken into custody.
Why it matters
Threats involving firearms, even if they are non-lethal pellet guns, can create dangerous situations for both law enforcement and the public. This incident highlights the need for de-escalation tactics and crisis negotiation to resolve such confrontations peacefully.
The details
On March 18, BWP employees encountered the suspect, Jose Beltran-Garcia, who pointed what appeared to be a rifle at them before retreating into a nearby construction site. Police arrived and the suspect refused to exit the garage, threatening to shoot officers. After an extended standoff, the SWAT team entered the residence and arrested Beltran-Garcia, recovering a pellet rifle at the scene.
- The incident occurred around 2:25 p.m. on March 18.
- After the initial encounter, the standoff with police lasted for an extended period.
The players
Jose Beltran-Garcia
A 38-year-old man from Pacoima who was arrested on multiple felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon.
Burbank Water and Power (BWP)
The local utility company whose employees encountered the armed suspect while conducting routine work in the area.
Burbank Police Department
The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident, deployed crisis negotiation and SWAT teams, and ultimately took the suspect into custody.
What’s next
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will review the case and determine formal charges against the suspect.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the importance of de-escalation tactics and crisis negotiation in resolving confrontations involving firearms, even non-lethal ones, to ensure the safety of both law enforcement and the public.
