Sunrise police rescue 6-month-old who had been shot during hostage standoff

On May 17, 2024 at 11:30 a.m., officers from the Surprise Police Department responded to the area of 168th Avenue and Jenan Drive after receiving a 9-1-1 call about a woman and infant being held hostage.
Officers learned a female victim had been held hostage inside her residence by the father of her child since 3 a.m. that morning. After breaking into the home, the suspect would not let the victim and their infant child leave, causing the victim to fear for her and the child’s safety. The victim was eventually able to get away from the suspect, and sought help from a nearby construction crew who called police. Officers learned the infant was still inside the home with the suspect.
When officers arrived at the residence, they heard multiple rounds of gunfire from inside. A Surprise Police officer fired one round in response toward the residence where the suspect was located, and officers quickly worked to force entry and rescue the infant who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Officers and tactical medics immediately rendered aid to the victims. The infant victim was airlifted to a nearby hospital in serious condition, but injuries are believed to be non-life threatening. The female victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries and was transported to the hospital to be with her child.
When officers entered the home, they did not make contact with the suspect. SWAT teams from Surprise and Goodyear Police responded and negotiation teams from Surprise, Goodyear and Phoenix Police attempted to negotiate a peaceful resolution.
Shortly after 3 p.m., a fire started in the residence while the suspect was inside. Fire crews could not tend to the fire due to the possible threat and sounds of gunfire coming from inside the house. The condition of the suspect will be unknown until it is safe for investigators to enter the residence.