On May 17, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., officers from the Surprise Police Department responded to an emergency situation near 168th Avenue and Jenan Drive after receiving a 9-1-1 call reporting a woman and her infant being held hostage.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that the female victim had been confined inside her residence by the father of her child since 3 a.m. that morning. The suspect forcibly entered the home and refused to let the victim and their infant child leave, instilling fear for their safety. Eventually, the victim managed to escape and sought assistance from a nearby construction crew, who then contacted the police. Officers learned that the infant remained inside the home with the suspect.
As officers approached the residence, they were met with the sound of multiple gunshots from within. In response, a Surprise Police officer fired one round towards the residence. Officers quickly forced entry to rescue the infant, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Immediate medical aid was provided by officers and tactical medics on the scene. The infant was airlifted to a nearby hospital in serious condition, although the injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. The female victim was treated on-site for minor injuries and later transported to the hospital to be with her child.
Upon entering the home, officers did not encounter the suspect. SWAT teams from both Surprise and Goodyear Police Departments, along with negotiation teams from Surprise, Goodyear, and Phoenix Police Departments, attempted to negotiate a peaceful resolution.
Shortly after 3 p.m., a fire broke out inside the residence with the suspect still believed to be inside. Due to the ongoing threat and sounds of gunfire, fire crews were unable to address the blaze immediately. The condition of the suspect remains unknown until it is deemed safe for investigators to enter the residence.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and it is unclear if there is any damage to nearby structures. Neighbors affected by this incident are encouraged to contact the Surprise Police Department’s non-emergency number at 623.222.4000.
The Buckeye Police Department will lead the investigation as part of the West Valley Incident Response Team protocols.
