Surprise, AZ, USA - May 17, 2024

On May 17, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., officers from the Surprise Police Department rushed to the scene near 168th Avenue and Jenan Drive in response to a distressing 9-1-1 call reporting a woman and an infant being held hostage.

According to police reports, the female victim had been held captive inside her residence by the father of her child since the early hours of the morning. Despite her desperate attempts to leave, the suspect, identified as the father of her child, prevented her and their infant from escaping, instilling fear for their safety.

The situation escalated dramatically when the victim managed to break free and seek assistance from a nearby construction crew, who promptly alerted the authorities. Upon arrival, officers were met with the sound of gunfire emanating from inside the residence. In response, a Surprise Police officer discharged a single round towards the house, while the tactical team swiftly moved to breach the premises.

Inside, they discovered the infant victim, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Officers and tactical medics wasted no time in administering life-saving aid before airlifting the infant to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, although in serious condition, the injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. The female victim, treated at the scene for minor injuries, was also transported to the hospital to be reunited with her child.

However, the ordeal was far from over. Despite efforts to establish communication and negotiate with the suspect, identified as the father, SWAT teams from Surprise and Goodyear Police were unable to make contact. Tragically, around 3 p.m., a fire broke out inside the residence with the suspect still inside. Fire crews, wary of the potential threat, were unable to approach the blaze, and the suspect's condition remains uncertain until investigators can safely enter the premises.