SPOKANE, Wash. – A suspect was arrested after he held two children and many others hostage in north Spokane.
According to the Spokane Police Department (SPD), officers responded to a home near the 1200 block of East Sanson Avenue. SPD, a female called stating an “estranged ex” was holding two small children hostage, refusing to let them go. The woman also told police the man was potentially armed.
SWAT was called to the scene along with hostage negotiators.
SPD said they were able to make contact with the suspect over the phone, but he remained uncooperative and began making threats to harm himself, the kids, and law enforcement.
Negotiations continued for around four hours when SPD used flash bangs to enter the home. The suspect emerged holding two children to keep police at bay. SPD said they were able to move in and arrest the 23-year-old suspect.
SPD said many people were inside the home and used windows to escape. Two of the hostages were children under five years old.
The suspect was arrested on charges of at least first-degree kidnapping and felony harassment, with the potential to add more.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Check back for updates.
