Val Verde neighborhood sealed off as deputies search for suspected gunman

A neighborhood in a rural area near Santa Clarita was sealed off Thursday afternoon as Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies searched for a man suspected of brandishing a gun and threatening another man in Val Verde.

About 30 deputies, including members of a sheriff’s special weapons team, surrounded a house in the 29000 block of Huntstock Avenue where the suspect was thought to be barricaded.

Deputies entered the house about 4 p.m. and were conducting a thorough search, said Sgt. Darren Harris of the Santa Clarita Valley sheriff’s station.

Harris said the unidentified man has been sought for assault with a deadly weapon since July, when he drew a firearm and threatened “a rival gang member” in Val Verde Park. The suspect is a parolee and is considered dangerous, he said.

Deputies have established a 3 1/2-block perimeter around the house and evacuated several nearby homes, he said.

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-- Bob Pool