Patricia Wright, 32, allegedly entered the lobby of the motel, located at 101 Allison Court, exposed and armed with a handgun around 2:40 a.m., Sgt. Mark Donaldson said.
Wright apparently waved the firearm at the desk clerk, who called 911. She told the clerk that she was afraid and mentioned a male companion staying at the motel with her, Donaldson said. But Wright was not making threats to hurt herself or the clerk, he said.
As about seven officers surrounded the motel, the clerk talked to Wright and tried to calm her down. Within about 20 minutes, she convinced Wright to put the handgun down and the clerk was able secure the weapon, Donaldson said.
Wright surrendered to Vacaville police at about 3 a.m. Officers also detained Wright's male companion, but after questioning him they determined he had not committed any crime, Donaldson said.
Wright allegedly admitted to police that she had ingested both marijuana and ecstasy, which Donaldson said likely played a role in her behavior.
She was booked into Solano County Jail in Fairfield on suspicion of brandishing a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm in public, and possession of a firearm that had its serial number removed.
The incident was contained to the lobby, and the motel was not evacuated. No one suffered any injuries during the standoff.
"The clerk did a tremendous job of remaining calm and being able to keep the suspect calm," Donaldson said. "She was a very brave woman."
The clerk at the Super 8 motel declined to comment on her actions.
