South Lake Tahoe man facing charges of assaulting roommate with shotgun

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) has arrested a 34-year-old local man on charges stemming from an incident March 12 where he is suspected of firing a shotgun at his roommate.

At about 10:00 p.m. Tuesday, SLTPD dispatch received a 911 call of a possible disturbance and gunshot in the 3700 block of Aspen Avenue. Officers arrived and attempted to located the source of the gunshot. The blocked off Aspen Avenue hear Wildwood Avenue in the process.

While officers were on scene, the victim in this case came to the police department to report the incident. It was discovered that the victim and Robert Choate Jr., the suspect, were roommates. The victim said he had learned that Choate had been stealing from him so he was in the process of kicking Choate out.

During a confrontation between the victim and suspect, Choate pulled a shotgun out and pointed it at the victim. The victim wrestled Choate for the shotgun, during which the shotgun discharged. The victim was able to get the shotgun away from Choate and brought it to the police department to report the incident.

Detectives from SLTPD were called out to the scene. Through their investigation, they learned that Choate may be staying at a Stateline area hotel. Believing that Choate may possess other firearms, detectives set up surveillance on the hotel and waited for Choate to leave his room. At 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 14, SLTPD detectives took Robert Choate into custody without incident.

He is currently in the El Dorado County Jail in South Lake Tahoe on charges of assault with a deadly weapon. Bail has been set at $100,000.