Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team arrests barricaded man armed with a rifle after a stand-off
In the early morning hours of Saturday February 21, 2015, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team was summoned to serve a felony arrest warrant on Zechariah Benjamin Schmidt, a 35 year old man from Annapolis. The warrant was for Schmidt exhibiting a firearm in a threatening manner and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Over the past two days, it was brought to the attention of the Sheriff’s Office that Schmidt’s behavior had become erratic and community members were increasingly concerned for their safety. Callers stated he was armed with a rifle and ammunition.
Information gained through the investigative process found that Schmidt grew up in the area and has extensive knowledge of the woods and back roads in this remote region. He was described as an avid hunter, resourceful, and very proficient with a rifle. Schmidt is comfortable living in the forest and off the land, and at times he would not be seen for several days at a time.
At about 5:00 AM, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and coastal resident Deputies surrounded a residence in the 43000 block of Brushy Ridge Loop in Annapolis where Schmidt was hiding. They saw him in the windows wearing all camouflage clothing and armed with a rifle. The SWAT team made several loud announcements ordering Schmidt to surrender.
Schmidt refused to come out and barricaded himself within the residence. He taunted the Deputies and defiantly stated he would not go to jail. In several profanity-laced tirades he challenged them to shoot him.
Finally, after about one hour of negotiation, Schmidt stepped out of the house and on to the back porch. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Schmidt was booked into Sonoma County Jail for his warrant and the additional charges of resisting arrest and felon in possession of a firearm. His bail was set at $270,000.00 and he is scheduled to go before a judge on February 24th 2015 at 1:30 PM.
Reports #150221-004, 150218-030, 150217-007
Prepared by Sergeant Cecile Focha
Media Relations / PIO
Address/Location
Sonoma County Sheriff's Office
2796 Ventura Ave
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-565-2650