Domestic violence suspect apprehended after hours-long standoff

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - A violation of a restraining order in South Lake Tahoe Monday afternoon led to an hours-long standoff, closed off neighborhoods and subsequent arrest of a man with a long history of violence.

On Monday, January 22, at about 4:30 p.m., the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) received a call that Brandon Bannowski, 25, had violated a Restraining Order and allegedly entered the home of his ex-girlfriend, threatened her with a baseball bat and choked her.

Officers from SLTPD and other law enforcement agencies responded to the 900 block of Linda Avenue. Bannowski was still in the home when they arrived and he refused to come out to the officer's demand. He told officers that he had armed himself with a firearm.

There were alleged threats of violence.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue was also there in case of a fire and provided SWAT medic services at the scene and Fire Incident Command.

"Due to risk of injury to Bannowski and officers, it was decided to deploy the SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Teams to attempt to call him out," said SLTPD Lt. Shannon Laney.

Bannowski was able to escape by unknown means during this transition time.

On the morning of January 23, the victim came home about 7:30 a.m. to find Bannowski asleep in her bed. Officers responded and a foot pursuit ensued.

The suspect fled to the area of Tahoe Keys state streets by hopping fences and running through backyards. Bannowski was eventually apprehended by officers and K-9 behind O’Reilly Auto at 2317 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

Bannowski was taken to Barton Hospital for treatment of minor injuries and booked into El Dorado County Jail on charges of domestic battery causing traumatic injury, violating a restraining order, brandishing a weapon, and resisting arrest.

"The South Lake Tahoe Police Department would like to express their appreciation to the residents of South Lake Tahoe for cooperating and reporting sightings of the suspect while the foot pursuit was in progress," said Laney. "We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to our allied agencies, El Dorado County Sheriff’s department and the California Highway Patrol for the assistance this morning. Because of your help, the suspect was apprehended with only minor injuries and no officers were injured today."

This case is still under investigation.