Alleged domestic dispute leads to SWAT team arresting a woman and bonus, locating another suspect

On 11/29/2016 around 2:47 PM Mendocino County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to the 56300 Block of North Highway 101 in Leggett CA regarding a domestic dispute with a firearm being discharged.  




Deputies contacted the 41 year old male victim who advised that he and Suspect Regina Gibbs had a previous relationship, are no longer seeing each other, but live on the same property.  Shortly before calling the deputies the victim approached Gibbs to recover some property of his that she was in possession of.  While looking for the property outside the main residence the victim saw Gibbs enter her residence and a short time later he heard a gun discharge inside.  Gibbs then exited the residence holding a large caliber handgun.  The victim recognized the handgun as belonging to him and said it had been stolen approximately 4 weeks before.  He said he had not reported the firearm stolen and he was also missing a .223 caliber rifle. The victim approached Gibbs and tried to
get the handgun from her where a minor struggle ensued, over the weapon, and the firearm was discharged again.  No one was injured by either shot that was fired.  The victim was able to gain possession of the weapon and other property from Gibbs and he left to his own residence located on the same property where he called the Sheriff's Office.

Deputies attempted contact with Gibbs at that time but she refused to open the door or speak to them.  The investigation showed Gibbs was a convicted felon thus she was prohibited from owning, possessing, or having access to any firearms or ammunition.  Deputies then authored a search warrant to enter the residence to search for firearms, ammunition, and or evidence of the crimes reported.  Deputies also authorized a Ramey (arrest) warrant charging Gibbs with discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and being a felon in possession of ammunition.

On 12/4/2016 around 9:45 AM members of the Mendocino Inter-agency SWAT Team assembled to serve the two warrants.  Due to Gibbs' previous criminal history, the fact that she had used a firearm in this case, and the fact that she might be in possession of additional firearms belonging to the victim SWAT was determined to be the best unit to effectively serve the two warrants.  The SWAT Team approached the residence and Gibbs attempted to flee via the rear door of the residence where she was confronted by SWAT team members who demanded she stop, which she did.  She was taken into custody without further incident.  At the time of her arrest she was armed with a large knife but no other weapons were found on her person.

While at the location Suspect Theodore Burgess was also contacted.  Burgess was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest for illegal possession of a shopping cart.  Gibbs and Burgess were both arrested and booked into the County Jail.  Gibbs was booked for negligent discharge of a firearm, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and being a felon in possession of ammunition.  Her bail was set at $150,000.  Burgess was booked into the County jail on the outstanding warrant and his bail was set at $2500.