Man arrested after standoff at Tahoe Keys Marina

Updated June 21 6:03pm

From a SLTPD press release today:

[Cory] Pearson attempted to drive over a berm, but became high centered.  The Armored Rescue Vehicle pinned Pearson’s vehicle against the rock. Pearson attempted to flee on foot and turned toward officers, concealing his hands in his waistband. A less lethal shotgun bean bag round was deployed, striking Pearson, causing him to fall to the ground. Officers approached Pearson with a K9 unit. Pearson continued to refuse officers commands, so the K9 unit was deployed and Pearson was ultimately apprehended without further incident.

A black replica, semi-automatic pistol was located in Pearson’s waistband, where he was concealing his hands. Pearson was transported to Barton Hospital for medical treatment as a result of the bean bag and K9 deployment.  Pearson was booked into EDSO jail by deputies for driving a stolen vehicle, felony evading,  possession of an altered or imitation firearm, resisting an officer with violence or threats of violence, wearing a mask during the commission of a crime and driving on a suspended license.

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Updated June 20 7:14pm:

Cory Pearson, 35, of Sacramento is the man who was arrested. Exact charges have not been released.

Update 5:19pm:

What started as an El Dorado County sheriff’s deputy checking on a vehicle pulled to the side of Highway 50 in Meyers ended with one suspect in custody more than four hours later.

El Dorado County sheriff’s Sgt. Paul Hadjes told Lake Tahoe News the subject was wearing a bandana over his face and told the deputy he had taken some bad drugs. While the deputy was calling for back up, the suspect took off.

A slow speed chase Saturday afternoon led everyone through South Lake Tahoe to where the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association office is. The suspect was able to maneuver around all the cop cars and went down Venice Drive to the Tahoe Keys Marina. At this point he was trapped.

South Lake Tahoe police, California Highway Patrol and U.S. Forest Service provided additional resources.

The suspect, whose name has not been released, moved the stolen white sedan several times around the parking lot before parking it to the right of the launch ramp.

South Lake Tahoe Sgt. Travis Cabral told LTN the vehicle had earlier been stolen from Lakeland Village.

The suspect was eventually taken into custody after bean bags were fired at the vehicle.

The suspect had a fake firearm that looked like a real weapon, according to authorities.

Cabral told LTN the CHP helicopter was used to give more eyes on the scene in case there were other people lurking in bushes or who might have been in the vehicle and tried to escape.

Update 4:25pm:

One person has been taken into custody after officers shot out the back window with bean bags.

The suspect was taken to Barton Memorial Hospital with injuries from the bean bags.

The suspect had a replicated handgun, according to authorities.

Update 4:12pm

The restaurant patrons were allowed to leave at 4:07pm under sheriff’s deputy escort.

Most had a story to tell.

Jim and Tauni Pace of Boise recalled being abruptly interrupted from their patio lunch when the chopper told them to quickly go inside and lock the doors.

“We didn’t know what the heck was going on,” she said.

Terry  Scales of South Lake Tahoe wondered the same thing.

I’ve never seen anything like this,” the 39-year resident said. “I’ve never been on lockdown. This is usually a fun time– you come here for a rum runner.”

Update 3:33pm:

A small army of law enforcement with assault rifles is aimed at a white sedan parked to the right side of the launch ramp at Tahoe Keys Marina.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter has been circling above more than 20 patrons at the Fresh Ketch who are stuck inside the restaurant because law enforcement has placed it on lock down. The vehicle is occupied by a South Lake Tahoe man, according to restaurant patrons.

South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler told Lake Tahoe News the man is reportedly armed.

The driver has moved the vehicle multiple times. It was first parked in one of the stalls outside the Fresh Ketch. The driver has since moved it closer to the launch ramp. Law enforcement is not letting people down Venice Drive.

There are reportedly people at the beach at Cove East who are not allowed to walk back on the path.

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A man who claims he is armed has forced the evacuation of the Tahoe Keys Marina in South Lake Tahoe.

El Dorado County sheriff’s deputies chased the man to the marina in their vehicles. What initiated the pursuit is unknown. Deputies were not available.

“He will not surrender and he has indicated he is armed,” South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler told Lake Tahoe News.

The immediate area was cordoned off just before 2pm June 20.

Negotiators and tactical teams have been called in.

No one at the Fresh Ketch restaurant was answering the phone.

— Kathryn Reed and Susan Wood