VISTA, Calif. — Authorities responded to a suspected domestic violence incident in North County on Wednesday morning which led to a SWAT standoff, law enforcement said.

A call came in around 8 a.m. from a woman who reported her estranged husband had hit her and threatened her with a gun in the 300 Block of Apollo Drive in Vista, Lt. Jeffrey Ford with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department stated in a news release.

Upon arrival, deputies contacted a man and woman outside the house, but the man immediately ran back inside, according to law enforcement. Authorities say they were able to safely evacuate a woman and children from the home.

Meanwhile, a man described by SDSO as the “husband,” who was wanted on various gun charges, was reported to be holding up inside the residence. However, when authorities tried to contact the man several times, he did not respond, the sheriff’s department said.

The SWAT team eventually searched the house and found a gun, but the man was not located, authorities confirmed.

The man law enforcement are searching for is identified as Walter Kuchinsky, 50, who stands approximately 6 feet, weighs 180 pounds and has brown hair and hazel eyes. He is a white man last seen wearing a hat, red and black flannel shirt and khaki pants.

“He is known to frequent the areas surrounding North Santa Fe Avenue and Bobier Drive in Vista. Kuchinsky should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, do not approach him. Call 9-1-1,” Ford said.

Anyone with information about Kuchinsky’s whereabout is urged to call the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. You could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward leading to an arrest.