Los Angeles man arrested in Newport Beach standoff on suspicion of assault, burglary

Newport Beach police arrested a Los Angeles man Tuesday night after he allegedly barricaded himself inside of a home on the Balboa Peninsula.

The man was identified by police as Ryan Matthew Geraghty, 33.

Officers responded to a call for a welfare check in the 100 block of Medina Way at around 1:51 p.m. Arriving officers saw an emergency situation that necessitated the immediate evacuation of the victim from the residence. SWAT teams were called to the scene to provide assistance and the length of East Balboa Boulevard between Island Avenue to Coronado Street was closed off at 6:56 p.m. according to the city’s Nixle alert.

Councilwoman Diane Dixon, who represents the residents in the Balboa Peninsula and West Newport Beach, said she was notified of the situation at around 5:48 p.m. She was told the suspect and the victim were acquainted.

Police eventually entered the residence and encountered an armed suspect who was allegedly threatening the life of the victim.

Surrounding residences were evacuated and a crisis response team was deployed to ensure the safety of residents.

Geraghty was arrested at on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, residential burglary, extortion and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Rangel confirmed that Geraghty was booked into jail at 4:57 p.m.

No injuries were reported and police said there were no other individuals involved and no further threats to the community.

Previous published reports indicated that three suspects were arrested in the incident, but that information was incorrect, according to department spokeswoman Heather Rangel, who confirmed that it was initially stated three suspects were “possibly” inside the household.

KCBS-TV Channel 2 reported that the residence belongs to former “Real Housewives of Orange County” star Elizabeth Vargas, but police did not confirm that to be the case.

Jail records indicate that Geraghty works in sales and is being held without bail. He is expected to appear in Central Jail Court on Thursday. It is unclear at what time.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to reach out to Det. Rick Henry at (949) 644-3797 or rhenry@nbpd.org.

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