Suspect Taunts Police After Flashing Weapon, Reckless Pursuit

Written by AARON CASTREJON 
CityWatch Editor 

COVINA - A suspect was taken into custody Friday after a very brief pursuit and stand off, police said.

A replica firearm was recovered after the suspect tossed the weapon to officers while allegedly taunting them from behind a closed metal security door at a Covina apartment complex August 7. Less lethal rounds were used to subdue the suspect once officers pried open the gate to detain him, according to Sgt. Rodriguez of the Covina Police Department.

Witnesses reported a man brandishing a firearm and acting erratically in the parking lot of Big 5 in the 500 block of South Azusa Avenue, Friday. When officers arrived to investigate, they saw the suspect who then allegedly revealed the weapon tucked in his waistband, Rodriguez told SGV CityWatch.

The type of weapon the suspect had was a replica oozie, Rodriguez told SGV CityWatch.

The suspect escaped and led officers on a very brief pursuit to a nearby apartment complex in the 1300 block of West San Bernardino Road. 

A passerby recorded the entire incident as the suspect in a gray SUV pulled up to a closed gate. He exchanged words with officers as the gate opened. The suspect drove in and then attempted to escape on foot with armed officers giving chase.

“He points the gun [at our officers]. No shots were fired. Officers are converging on him and giving him orders. He’s got the gun still and he’s behind the door,” Rodriguez told SGV CityWatch. “He’s got a gun in his hand and he’s showing it to them.”

After the suspect briefly opened the door to toss the weapon away, he closed it again and reportedly taunted officers. An officer eventually used brute force to pry open the door, Rodriguez told SGV CityWatch.

Nathaniel Alexander Ceja, 27, was arrested.

Ceja was booked on suspicion of brandishing a firearm, resisting arrest, evading an officer and driving under the influence, Rodriguez told SGV CityWatch.

Ceja was additionally booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer. He allegedly drove at an officer during his initial escape and allegedly pointed the replica weapon at officers, Rodriguez told SGV CityWatch.

Ceja is being held in the Inmate Reception Center in Los Angeles in lieu of $50,000 ahead of a scheduled appearance in West Covina Superior Court Tuesday, August 11.

**********
The arrest record in this article is being redistributed by SGV CityWatch and is protected by constitutional, publishing and other legal rights. Arrest information is public record and was distributed by government sources. The person named in this article has only been arrested on suspicion of the crime(s) listed and is presumed innocent.

**********
Copyright 2026. All stories and original images published here are the exclusive property of SGV CityWatch and may not be republished in any form without the permission of this organization.