PHOENIX, Ariz. — Newly released body camera footage shows the tense and dangerous moments when a machete-wielding suspect held his toddler son hostage, WLBT reported.
According to Phoenix Police, officers arrived at the scene after the suspect’s brother-in-law discreetly texted 911 to report that the suspect was threatening family members and wielding a machete while holding his child. Officials credited the brother-in-law’s quick and quiet communication with police, potentially preventing a deadly outcome.
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“Please hurry, he’s threatening me with a machete if I take the baby,” the man texted dispatchers, according to court documents.
When officers arrived, they found the suspect inside the home with the machete in one hand and his son in the other arm. They repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon and release the child.
The suspect ignored commands, prompting officers to fire two foam (less-lethal) rounds. The man still refused to release the child.
Officers then moved in after hearing the toddler crying. The bodycam video shows the child sitting on the suspect’s lap while he still held the machete.
Police then shot the suspect with live rounds, allowing them to disarm him, take him into custody and rescue the child.
The suspect was hospitalized and later booked into jail, facing multiple felony charges including kidnapping, child abuse, endangerment and aggravated assault, according to the report.The young boy, though suffering bruises and scrapes, is now safe and in the care of his mother, police said. The investigation remains ongoing.
