On November 29, at 9:49 a.m., the City of Carlsbad Police Department responded to the area of Avenida Encinas and Ponto Drive regarding a subject causing a disturbance.

The subject walked away and refused to cooperate by entering the Batiquitos Lagoon and swimming away from officers.

Officers ultimately identified the man as 53-year-old Jeffery Unmacht and found Unmacht had a felony warrant out of Orange County, California, for terrorist threats.

The California State Park Lifeguards, the Carlsbad Fire Department and the San Diego Sheriff’s Department helicopter, ASTREA were called in to assist. After lifeguards trailed Unmacht on paddleboards for about 45 minutes, Unmacht voluntarily left the water near Interstate 5 and the La Costa Avenue freeway off-ramp.

Officers took Unmacht into custody without further incident.

While in custody, Unmacht was evaluated by the Fire Department and transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. Once released Unmacht will be booked for the felony warrant.

For more information
Acting Lieutenant Scott Meritt, 442-339-2139 or scott.meritt@carlsbadca.gov 

Police media contact
Jodee Reyes, Public Information Officer, 442-339-2105 or Jodee.Reyes@carlsbadca.gov