Crime

SLO police arrest man on suspicion of terrorist threats after standoff on South Street

The San Luis Obispo Police Department arrested a SLO resident on suspicion of making terrorist threats and domestic violence after a standoff on South Street on Friday afternoon, the agency said in a news release.

Kona Wilson, 37, allegedly got into a physical altercation with his girlfriend then threatened to kill her while brandishing a knife in his home on South Street, police said.

She fled the scene and called 911 at about 1:08 p.m., police said.

When officers arrived on the scene, the girlfriend was outside and Wilson “had barricaded himself in the house,” police said.

Police surrounded the house with guns drawn, witnesses reported.

“Surrounding neighbors were requested to shelter in place. After several hours of negotiation, officers deployed a ‘flash bang’ in the side yard of the house and Wilson surrendered shortly after,” the news release said.

At about 4:11 p.m., police arrested Wilson and booked him into San Luis Obispo County Jail.

He faces a felony charge of making terrorist threats, and misdemeanor charges for domestic violence and exhibiting a deadly weapon, police said.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the incident.

Officers respond outside a house in the 500 block of South Street in San Luis Obispo on Nov. 3, 2023.
Officers respond outside a house in the 500 block of South Street in San Luis Obispo on Nov. 3, 2023. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Kona Wilson, 37, was arrested by police on suspicion of domestic violence after a three-hour standoff at his house on South Street in San Luis Obispo on Nov. 3, 2023.
Kona Wilson, 37, was arrested by police on suspicion of domestic violence after a three-hour standoff at his house on South Street in San Luis Obispo on Nov. 3, 2023. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Kona Wilson, 37, was arrested by police on suspicion of domestic violence after a three-hour standoff at his house on South Street in San Luis Obispo on Nov. 3, 2023.
Kona Wilson, 37, was arrested by police on suspicion of domestic violence after a three-hour standoff at his house on South Street in San Luis Obispo on Nov. 3, 2023. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
A heavy police presence was observed on South Street in San Luis Obispo on Nov. 3, 2023, as law enforcement responded to a call for public service.
A heavy police presence was observed on South Street in San Luis Obispo on Nov. 3, 2023, as law enforcement responded to a call for public service. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Officers responded outside a house in the 500 block of South Street in San Luis Obispo on Nov. 3, 2023.
Officers responded outside a house in the 500 block of South Street in San Luis Obispo on Nov. 3, 2023. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com

This story was originally published November 3, 2023 at 3:48 PM.

Stephanie Zappelli
The Tribune
Stephanie Zappelli is the environment and immigration reporter for The Tribune. Born and raised in San Diego, they graduated from Cal Poly with a journalism degree. When not writing, they enjoy playing guitar, reading and exploring the outdoors. 
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