Groveland, CA…Yesterday, just after 11 am, our dispatch center received a concerning call from an employee at the Yosemite Lakes Country Store, just west of the Yosemite gate. The reporting person stated an irate man came into the store, armed with a knife and refusing to leave. Prior to deputies arriving, all customers and store employees were able to safely exit the store.

Upon arrival, deputies, members of the US Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife, Yosemite National Park Law Enforcement, and California Highway Patrol (CHP) surrounded the store and began attempting to communicate with the man, later identified as 39-year-old Robert Loschiavo of Oroville, Washington. Deputies were unable to get Loschiavo’s compliance and the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Response Unit (SWAT and Crisis Negotiations) was activated.

While attempting to establish communications with Loschiavo, it was determined he had used force while inside the store to steal items. After approximately 8 hours of attempted negotiations with Loschiavo, SWAT eventually entered the store and took Loschiavo into custody without further incident. Loschiavo was arrested for robbery and resisting arrest.

We would like to thank the US Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife, Yosemite National Park LE, and CHP for their initial response and aid. Also, we want to thank the owners and staff of Yosemite Lakes County Store for their hospitality while we worked to resolve the prolonged incident.

Source = TCSO