Tragedy In Menifee Follows Apparent Mental Health Crisis

MENIFEE, CA ? An armed man who was threatening to harm himself over the weekend inside his family's Menifee home was shot dead by a neighbor and police were continuing to investigate, according to authorities.

Robert Strauss, 40, died following the disturbance that broke out around 3:30 p.m. Saturday in the 27000 block of Early Dawn Road.

Events unfurled after Strauss's mother called police to report her son was armed with a handgun, threatening to harm himself, and possibly under the influence of an unknown substance, according to the Menifee Police Department.

All of the family members inside the home managed to escape while Menifee police tried to coax Strauss out. Officers remained outside and used a loudspeaker, hoping Strauss would surrender.

Shortly after 5 p.m., however, officers saw smoke billowing from the home's garage and the residence became engulfed in flames, according to Menifee PD.

Minutes later, a neighbor called police dispatch to report he had shot a man inside his home.

Officers rushed to the nearby home and found Strauss inside suffering from gunshot wounds, Menifee police reported.

"Officers provided medical care to Strauss who later succumbed to his injuries," the law enforcement agency said.

The neighbor who shot Strauss was cooperating with the police investigation.

The fire was contained in the Early Dawn Road residence and did not spread to other homes. Cal Fire arson personnel were investigating the cause of the blaze, while Menifee police detectives were investigating events leading to Strauss?s death.

No other injuries were reported.

If you or someone you know is suffering a mental health emergency, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.