Tustin Man Arrested After Overnight SWAT Standoff

Tustin, CA • May 19th, 2025

A standoff involving a barricaded suspect in a quiet Tustin neighborhood came to a peaceful resolution late Monday night after hours of negotiations and a heavy police presence.

The incident began at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 19th, when officers with the Tustin Police Department were dispatched to a home near the intersection of Saybrook Lane and Farmington Road. Neighbors contacted 911 after the man was seen pointing a gun at two adults and a child.

Due to the potential threat, Tustin PD requested assistance from the Irvine Police Department. SWAT teams from both cities responded to the scene, surrounding the home and shutting down traffic in the surrounding area. Officers established a perimeter and used a loudspeaker system to communicate with the suspect throughout the evening.

Crisis negotiators were deployed in an effort to de-escalate the situation. Nearby residents were advised to remain indoors as law enforcement worked through the night to bring the standoff to a safe conclusion.

The suspect, identified as Edward Petress, 54, of Tustin, has a documented history with law enforcement, including a 2015 arrest after he was reportedly seen brandishing a machete in public. In this latest incident, police have not confirmed whether a firearm was involved, though early accounts suggested the possibility.

After more than five hours of negotiation, Petress surrendered to authorities without incident at approximately 11:41 p.m. He was taken into custody at the scene. No injuries were reported, and no shots were fired during the standoff.

Police have not disclosed what charges Petress may face, pending further investigation.

"This was a coordinated effort between our department and the Irvine Police Department to ensure the safety of the community," a Tustin PD officer said. "We’re grateful for the peaceful resolution and thank the public for their patience during the operation."

The investigation remains ongoing.

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