Santee Business Owner Arrested for Threatening Deputies

Authorities say Robert Sanford refused to exit his HVAC business after reports of gunshots in the area.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:11pm

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A 43-year-old Santee business owner named Robert Sanford was arrested this weekend after allegedly threatening to shoot sheriff's deputies who had responded to reports of gunshots in the area. Sanford, who owns a heating and air conditioning company, was uncooperative and refused to exit his business when deputies surrounded the property. Authorities later obtained a search warrant and found a 9mm handgun and shell casings inside Sanford's suite.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the potential dangers that law enforcement can face when responding to reports of firearms being discharged, especially when a suspect refuses to cooperate. It also raises questions about how businesses and residents in the Santee community may be impacted by gun violence and the appropriate response from authorities.

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 Sanford, who appeared to be armed with a handgun, entering his business suite on Rockville Street. Deputies surrounded the property and tried to contact Sanford, but he was uncooperative and refused to exit the building. Investigators later found evidence of a 9mm handgun and shell casings inside Sanford's suite.

  • At approximately 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, deputies responded to reports of gunshots in the area.
  • Around 7:16 a.m., deputies conducted a follow-up investigation and discovered evidence of Sanford's threats against law enforcement.
  • At approximately 10:06 a.m., investigators obtained a search warrant and executed it with the help of a SWAT team, taking Sanford into custody.

The players

Robert Sanford

A 43-year-old Santee business owner who owns a heating and air conditioning company. He was arrested on suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm and threats against peace officers.

San Diego County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to reports of gunshots and surrounded Sanford's business before obtaining a search warrant and arresting him.

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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, San Diego County Sheriff's Office

“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, San Diego County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This incident underscores the risks that law enforcement can face when responding to reports of firearms being discharged, especially when a suspect is uncooperative. It also raises concerns about gun violence and public safety in the Santee community, and the appropriate response from authorities in such situations.