Auburn Standoff Suspect Identified, Fire Started By Accelerant In Molotov Cocktail-Like Device

AUBURN (CBS13/AP) — The suspect in Sunday's seven-hour standoff has been identified by the Placer County Sheriff's Office.

William Everett Corson, 53, barricaded himself inside his two-story house near Auburn around 10:30 a.m. when deputies went to check on reports of shots being fired in his backyard, Placer County Sheriff's Lt. John Poretti said.

Poretti said over several hours, the man used a pistol, shot gun and automatic weapon to shoot at officers and into nearby houses. At some point, the garage started to burn but he continued to exchange gunfire with deputies.

Investigators say the fire that destroyed the home was started by Corson with an accelerant in a Molotov cocktail-like device.

It may be a couple of days before residents are allowed to return home after Corson opened fire on officers and nearby homes during Sunday's standoff.

Investigators say they were forced to shoot and kill Corson, ending the standoff.

Corson's motive is still unknown.