Pennsylvania authorities have shared intense video evidence presented at the trial of Antonio Hammond, who took a 2-year-old girl hostage in her home. The child’s mother pleaded for her daughter’s release during a lengthy standoff with police.
On Tuesday, a jury found Hammond guilty of kidnapping, firearm possession, and additional charges, as reported by the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office.
Standoff and Recorded Events
The trial footage reveals the initial moments of the May 30, 2023, standoff in Harrisburg. Michele Peters, the child’s mother, recorded Hammond holding her crying, autistic daughter. Police outside the house demanded his surrender.
Hammond insisted to the mother that the police were “trying to kill me” and urged her to “trust in God.” Peters pleaded for her child’s return, saying, “Give me my baby, please! You’re scaring her.” Hammond persisted, instructing Peters to film him with her phone.
As police surrounded the home, Hammond shouted, “I didn’t do anything.” Peters explained to officers that Hammond had seized her child inside her apartment. Officers continued ordering Hammond to exit with hands raised. The recording ends with the phone dropping, resulting in muffled audio.
Background and Course of Events
Before this incident, Hammond, who had evaded parole months earlier, had encounters with law enforcement, according to PennLive Patriot-News. On the day of the event, officers noticed he wore a mask on a hot day, carrying a gun. He fled when officers attempted to stop him.
During a foot chase, Hammond pointed a gun at officers and pulled the trigger, but the pistol only clicked, missing a chambered round. Hammond then broke into Peters’ home, ordering her to record him as precautions against the police’s potential response.
The footage captures negotiations halting after almost six hours. A Crisis Response Team (CRT) entered the residence.
Hammond held the toddler and pointed a handgun at the entry team before placing the gun against the toddler’s face. A CRT member intervened, forcing the handgun down and shooting Hammond in the face. Officers secured the toddler while medics treated Hammond, saving his life.