Full Notification

Public Information Release
May 17, 2013
Lieutenant Steve Brooks, Public Information Officer



Lake County Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies responded to a report of a victim who had been shot with a pellet gun, in Clearlake Oaks on Wednesday.

On May 15, 2013 at approximately 4:30 pm, deputies responded to a residence located in the 12000 block of 4th St. in Clearlake Oaks for a reported victim who had been shot in the thigh with a pellet gun. The victim told deputies that she had gone to the residence to see a friend and check on some money regarding a vehicle she had sold. While standing in the front yard, she said “Scott” had walked out of the house and shot her with the pellet gun for unknown reasons. Scott was later identified as 52 year old Robert Scott Hisel of Clearlake Oaks.

Deputies contacted Hisel at the residence and when he stepped outside of the residence, he shot at the deputies multiple times with a high powered pellet gun. After shooting at the deputies, Hisel went back inside the residence. A few minutes later Hisel stepped outside the residence and again shot at the deputies multiple times before retreating back inside. The deputies attempted to talk with Hisel and asked him repeatedly to step outside without the guns so they could talk about the incident. Central Dispatch attempted several times to place a telephone call to Hisel, to persuade him to step outside and talk to the deputies, which he refused.

A few minutes later Hisel stepped outside the residence with what appeared to be a bible in his hand. Deputies also noticed that he had what looked like a fanny pack secured around his waist. As one of the deputies attempted to talk to Hisel and de-escalate the situation, he became extremely agitated and started yelling and cursing. Hisel also made statements about the end of the world and how everyone was going to die. As the deputy continued to try and reason with Hisel he reached down to his fanny pack and started to remove what appeared to be a Glock pistol. The deputy told Hisel to drop the gun several times which he ignored. When Hisel continued to raise the firearm and start to point it towards the deputy, the deputy was forced draw his duty weapon and return fire in order to protect him and the public. Hisel, who did not appear to have been injured, immediately retreated back into the residence.

The Sheriff’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team responded to the incident along with the entire Lake County Sheriff’s Command Staff, personnel from the California Highway Patrol, Clearlake Police Department and California Fish and Wildlife. A perimeter was set up around the residence and several homes adjacent to Hisel were cleared to protect the public.

Caltrans responded to the scene and provided barricades for both Schindler and Shaul Streets. They also provided lights and generators to assist the tactical team, once PG&E cut power to the residence. One of the windows was breached by the tactical team and a telephone was provided to Hisel, so he could speak with a specially trained Lake County Sheriff’s Office Negotiator. Hisel refused to comply with law enforcement and eventually stopped communicating with the negotiator.

At approximately 10:40 pm, the Lake County Sheriffs Special Weapons and Tactics Team made entry into the residence and took Hisel into custody without further incident. Hisel was provided medical attention due to showing symptoms of being extremely under the influence of alcohol and possibly methamphetamine. Hisel also had what was described to be a small wound to his leg, which was also treated.

As the Lake County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit was conducting their investigation, they located what appeared to be two hand grenades inside the residence. Lake County Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies evacuated the area and set a perimeter around the residence. They also obtained supplies requested by the Napa County EOD Unit, so the grenades could be safely detonated. On May 16, 2013 at approximately 6:45 am, the Napa County Sheriff’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit responded to the residence. At approximately 0845 am the grenades were safely detonated.

Hisel was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person and obstructing a peace officer. He was transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked. He was arraigned today and remains at the Hill Road Correctional Facility with his bail set at $200,000.

Sheriff Rivero commends his Command Staff, Special Weapons and Tactics Team, members of his Major Crimes Unit and the Patrol Division for their seamless handling of this dangerous and volatile situation. Sheriff Rivero said it was their courage, combined efforts, training and dedication to the citizens of Lake County which brought this violent situation to a peaceful resolution.