A man wanted in connection to a deadly Pacifica double stabbing has died following a confrontation with police in Mendocino County Thursday.
The search began after the suspect killed a man and critically injured a woman in what police say is a domestic violence attack in Pacifica's Vallemar neighborhood Thursday morning.
Police swarmed the area looking for Jason Gillenwater in connection with the double stabbing and that's when nearby Vallemar Elementary School went into lockdown. Police also confirmed an emergency protection order had recently been issued against Gillenwater by one of the victims of Thursday's attack.
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According to the California Highway Patrol, their officers and officers with the Ukiah Police Department tried to pull a man over in connection to the statewide be on the lookout police broadcast related to Thursday morning's double stabbing in Pacifica.
Pacifica police said on Thursday evening that Gillenwater shot himself during a confrontation with authorities in Ukiah.
"The suspect, 46-year-old Jason Gillenwater, was deceased near his vehicle from a self-inflicted gunshot wound," Pacifica police said in a news release.
Residents told NBC Bay Area they have seen police near the site of the attack. They added the woman who was stabbed had been in a relationship with Gillenwater and was trying to separate from him. Residents said the man who was killed was a friend of the woman, who had tried to help.
Investigators said the suspect had obtained a gun in Colusa County after the stabbing incident in Pacifica.
It was the second time in a week that officers had been called to a domestic violence incident involving Gillenwater at the home on Naomi Avenue.
About 9 p.m. on Dec. 14, police responded to an incident involving Gillenwater and the female victim, police said.
Gillenwater was arrested at the time and booked at the San Mateo County jail. He posted bail and was released.
Police officers immediately obtained a gun violence emergency protective order and seized firearms and ammunition from the residence. Officers also obtained an emergency protective order, which prohibited Gillenwater from contacting the female victim or coming within 100 yards of the Naomi Avenue home, police said.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and keeping the family members and Pacifica community close in our hearts as they cope with this profound loss," Pacifica Police Chief Maria Sarasua said. "I am grateful to the San Mateo County allied agencies, San Mateo County District Attorney's Office, and the California Highway Patrol for their assistance during this investigation."
Anyone with information regarding the incident are asked to call the Pacifica Police Department at 650-738-7314 and refer to Pacifica police case #23-3391.
