Mendocino County SWAT team cleared for work following fatal shooting in McKinleyville

Five members of Mendocino County’s SWAT team have returned to work following a fatal shootout two weeks ago in Humboldt County, sheriff’s officials said.

The team helped end an armed standoff with David Alan Fulton, 58, who was shot and killed at a McKinleyville apartment complex.

The daylong standoff was triggered by Fulton shooting into the apartment manager’s office Aug. 17, then barricading himself in an apartment with his girlfriend until early the next morning, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. He also sprayed gunfire at arriving deputies.

The SWAT team members - four from the Sheriff’s Office and one from the Ukiah Police Department - along with their armored vehicle, were requested by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s office, said Mendocino County Sheriff’s Capt. Greg Van Patten.

Just after 1 a.m. Aug. 18, the girlfriend left the apartment and Mendocino County Sheriff’s Sgt. Joseph Comer, Deputy Corey Bender and Ukiah Police Officer Jason Chapman exchanged gunfire with Fulton, Van Patten said.

A short while later, officers saw black smoke and flames inside the apartment and Fulton emerged about 2 a.m., firing at officers, who returned fire. Mendocino County Deputy Ze Manuel Lima was among those returning fire, Van Patten said.

Fulton was pronounced dead at the scene, Humboldt officials said.

You can reach Staff Writer Glenda Anderson at 707-462-6473 or glenda.anderson@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @?MendoReporter