Calif. man charged in police standoff in Columbiana

COLUMBIANA — A California man called city police early today after seeing a suicide note his friend posted on Facebook.

Police were called to a Hawkins Lane address after Jesse Rapp, 28, posted the note, according to a news release from police. Police also received information there was at least one gun and one to two other people were inside.

A Facebook picture obtained by police shows Rapp photographing himself holding a large handgun.

Police arrived on scene about 1:15 a.m. this morning and tried unsuccessfully to contact Rapp by phone. An officer knocked at the front door and a woman identified as Rapp’s mother, Debra Leffel, 53, opened the door with Rapp standing next to her with a large pistol in his hand.

Police used a stun weapon to bring Rapp into custody when he refused to comply with officers.

Rapp was taken to Columbiana County Jail. He is charged with aggravated menacing, a felony, and misdemeanor counts of using weapons while intoxicated and resisting arrest.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com