SALINAS - New information on a seven-hour standoff in Salinas where police used flashbangs and tear gas to scare a suspect out of his home.
It brings up a major concern: Police forces across the central coast are stretched thin, so it can be financially challenging to get extra officers to an active crime scene.
"With personnel costs, it is expensive. There's no doubt about it," said Commander Dave Crabill of the Salinas Police Department.
Commander Crabill said getting extra officers out on the street to tackle standoffs like the one that happened with Alfonso Reynoso on Friday can put a dent on the department's budget.
"It's certainly difficult when you're stretched thin, but what you have to realize is we do have officers out on the streets, so what we try to do is deploy the resources that are available on the street to try to contain the situation as best as possible," he said.
He said once that's done, the department looks at what additional resources need to be sent out to nab the suspect, or suspects.
"It does take time, money, and effort to assess and bring the resources to try to bring it to a safe conclusion," he said.
Police said Reynoso hid in the attic space of his home and wouldn't come out for hours.
They went in to apprehend him after all other attempts failed, including trying to convince him to come out, and deploying gas into the house to force him out.
Finally, the incidient commander ordered to go in and get him out.
"We're going to send what resources what we need, regardless of the cost and w'ere going to do it safely," said Commander Crabill.
