Six-hour stand off ends at Motel 6 in South Lake Tahoe

An almost six-hour long standoff in the parking lot of the South Lake Tahoe Motel 6 parking lot has ended, with no suspect in custody, though a warrant has been issued for 31-year-old Sean Wanamaker.

South Lake Tahoe Police officers were called to the area Saturday afternoon after a person said a man got into an argument with someone in the parking lot, and that he brandished a handgun, then went into a trailer parked at the motel.

When officers couldn't make contact with what they were lead to believe was an armed man inside the trailer, SWAT officers, El Dorado County Sheriff's deputies, SLT Fire and Rescue joined the SLT police officers at the motel located at 2375 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

The truck connected to the trailer had a Release of Liability with Wanamaker's name on it, and it appeared he was in the process of purchasing it.

Wanamaker and the South Lake Tahoe Police Department have a long history, and he is a felon. A term of his probation is to not enter the City of South Lake Tahoe.

Dozens of attempts were made by officers to make contact with who they thought was Wanamaker inside the trailer. No response, no contact during the whole standoff.

"If there is a strong possibility someone is gong to get shot we don't need to go rushing in," SLTPD Lt. Dave Stevenson told South Tahoe Now, "Time is on our side and we can wait them out."

After almost six hours, three rounds of gas were sent into the trailer. When Wanamker didn't exit the trailer, police entered. There was no sign of the suspect inside.

Wanamaker is at large and wanted for violation of parole and brandishing a handgun.

According to SLTPD Lt. Dave Stevenson, the matter is being referred to the District Attorney's Office.

Several guests at the motel during one of the busiest weekends of the year asked for refunds as they didn't want to be in the area of the standoff. One wing of the motel was emptied of guests, and those people either chose to check out, hang out at the pool, or find something else to do.

Several people watched from across the street at the Grocery Outlet as the scene unfolded.