Santee Business Owner Arrested for Allegedly Threatening Deputies

Robert Sanford accused of making threats and firing a gun near a church

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:41pm

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An extreme close-up of a 9mm shell casing on a dark surface, capturing the stark, gritty details of the metal and creating a sense of the investigative nature of this crime scene.A recent wave of gun-related incidents in Santee has exposed tensions between law enforcement and some local business owners.San Diego Today

A 43-year-old Santee business owner named Robert Sanford was arrested over the weekend after allegedly threatening to shoot sheriff's deputies who responded to reports of gunshots near his HVAC company. Sanford was uncooperative when deputies surrounded his business, and later evidence indicated he had a handgun and made threats to shoot deputies if they entered. A search warrant was executed, and Sanford was taken into custody without incident, with a 9mm handgun and shell casings recovered from the scene.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and tensions that can arise when law enforcement responds to reports of gunfire, especially when a business owner is uncooperative. It raises questions about mental health, de-escalation tactics, and the balance between public safety and individual rights.

The details

According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday to the 8700 block of Magnolia Avenue in Santee after receiving reports of possible gunshots. They spotted Robert Sanford, the 43-year-old owner of Robert Sanford Heating and Air, apparently armed with a handgun as he entered his business suite. Deputies surrounded the property and tried to contact Sanford, but he refused to exit or speak with them. Investigators later found evidence of bullet holes in a parking sign in front of Sanford's suite, with a church located about 100 yards away. Due to Sanford being alone inside and no victims identified, deputies disengaged and obtained a search warrant later that morning. With a SWAT team's assistance, they executed the warrant and took Sanford into custody without incident, recovering a 9mm handgun and shell casings.

  • At approximately 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, deputies responded to reports of possible gunshots.
  • Around 7:16 a.m., deputies discovered evidence that Sanford had a handgun and made threats to shoot them.
  • At approximately 10:06 a.m., investigators executed a search warrant and took Sanford into custody.

The players

Robert Sanford

A 43-year-old Santee business owner who owns Robert Sanford Heating and Air.

San Diego County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the reports of gunshots and arrested Sanford.

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What they’re saying

“Deputies surrounded the property and attempted to contact Sanford via phone. He was uncooperative and refused to exit the building to speak with deputies.”

— Capt. Chris Katra, SDSO Captain

“At 7:16 a.m., deputies conducted a follow-up and discovered evidence indicating Sanford was in possession of a handgun and had made threats to shoot deputies if they entered his business.”

— Capt. Chris Katra, SDSO Captain

What’s next

Sanford is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday in El Cajon Superior Court on charges of negligent discharge of a firearm and threats against peace officers.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when responding to reports of gun violence, especially when a business owner is uncooperative. It raises concerns about mental health, de-escalation tactics, and the balance between public safety and individual rights in these types of confrontations.