Burbank PD News Release: Suspect Arrested after SWAT Standoff

A 38-year-old man was arrested after allegedly threatening utility workers and Burbank Police officers with a rifle.

The incident occurred on March 18, 2026, at about 2:25 p.m., when Burbank Police officers responded to a residence in the 1000 block of La Rambla Drive following reports of a man armed with a rifle.

Employees from Burbank Water and Power (BWP), who were in the area conducting routine work, encountered the suspect, who pointed what appeared to be a rifle at them before retreating into a nearby residence under construction.

Officers arrived and located the suspect inside a garage. He refused to exit and failed to comply with the officers' commands, prompting the deployment of additional resources, including the Burbank Police Department's SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiation Team.

Officers repeatedly attempted to de-escalate the situation through communication, crisis negotiation, and the use of less-lethal options to gain voluntary compliance. Despite these efforts, the suspect remained inside and threatened to shoot officers.

After an extended standoff, SWAT personnel entered the residence and safely took the suspect into custody. A pellet rifle was recovered at the scene.

The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Jose Beltran-Garcia of Pacoima, was arrested on multiple felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon. Formal charges are pending review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Burbank Police Department Investigations Division at (818) 238-3210.

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Questions regarding this statement should be directed to Lieutenant Brent Fekety at (818) 238-3231 or [email protected].