Drew Dixon : “5 Arrested in Standoff with Deputies”

Five Susanville Residents Arrested After Standoff with Sheriff’s Deputies

Five individuals from Susanville were apprehended on Wednesday following an early morning confrontation with Sheriff’s Deputies. The incident unfolded when law enforcement officials were executing a high-risk warrant at a property on Dillon Court in Susanville.

“Given the potential threat to public safety and the challenging nature of the location, the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics team was called in to carry out the search warrant,” revealed LCSO Captain Mike Carney.

The LCSO Drone Team was also dispatched to provide support during the operation.

“Upon the arrival of the SWAT Team at the residence, members of the Crisis Negotiation Team used a Public Address System to request the occupants to exit the premises. One suspect immediately fled on foot upon hearing the instructions,” Carney added.

Through the utilization of drone technology, the fleeing suspect, identified as 37-year-old Susanville resident Drew Dixon, was located and apprehended by perimeter units.

Despite the apprehension of Dixon, it was evident that there were still multiple individuals inside the property who were reluctant to surrender.

“The Crisis Negotiation Team persisted in attempting to coax the remaining occupants out of the residence using the Public Address System. Eventually, a female suspect emerged from the property and was taken into custody without any resistance,” Carney explained.

The female suspect was identified as 25-year-old Susanville resident Jenna Miles.

Efforts to negotiate a peaceful surrender with the remaining occupants proved futile, leading SWAT Team members to introduce a pepper-type gas into the property in a bid to prompt their surrender.

This gas, designed to cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and skin, ultimately compelled three more occupants to exit the residence, where they were promptly detained. The trio was identified as 59-year-old Susanville resident Paula Dixon, 59-year-old Susanville resident Donald Luna, and 36-year-old Susanville resident Ameko Vaimasanuu Jr.

A subsequent search of the property revealed a cache of illegal firearms, ammunition, and controlled substances. Among the seized weapons were AR-15 and SKS-style assault rifles, accompanied by high-capacity magazines. Additionally, a sawed-off shotgun was confiscated.

All five suspects were arrested and transported to the Lassen County Jail.

Gun Violence Reduction Program Grant Leads to Successful Operation

In November 2022, The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office secured a Gun Violence Reduction Program grant from the California Department of Justice. The grant, which was approved and awarded to the Sheriff’s Office, has been instrumental in targeting individuals prohibited from possessing firearms.

According to Carney, the operation that culminated in the arrest of the five individuals was made possible through the funding provided by the GVRP grant.

“The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to the California Highway Patrol, the Susanville Police Department, and the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office for their invaluable support throughout this operation,” Carney expressed.