Domestic Violence Assault Leads to Standoff and Arrest of Los Angeles Man

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – A domestic violence incident led to the male suspect barricading himself inside his vacation property in Palm Springs.

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On Saturday, June 29, 2019, just before 11:00 p.m., a female victim walked into the Palm Springs Police Department reporting a domestic violence incident that took place at the 700 block of Spencer Drive. When police made contact with the woman, she reported that her and her 55-year-old boyfriend, William Lakoff, of Los Angeles, were involved in a verbal altercation. The altercation escalated and Lakoff allegedly dragged the female victim from room to room. She said that he also sexually battered her and held her against her will.

After the assault, Lakoff fell asleep and the victim was able to sneak out of the home. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the attack. The victim was treated at the hospital for treatment of her injuries. Officers responded to the home and attempted to make contact with Lakoff but he refused to open the door. Desert Regional SWAT responded to the scene and Lakoff surrendered on Sunday, June 30, 2019, at 4:16 a.m. He was booked at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning for domestic violence, kidnapping, false imprisonment, sexual battery, and resisting/obstructing arrest.

All suspects related to this investigation are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.