Authorities in Pennsylvania have released video footage from the trial of Antonio Hammond, who took a two-year-old girl hostage. The incident occurred during a prolonged standoff with police. The child’s mother pleaded for her daughter’s release. The Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office announced Hammond’s conviction on multiple charges, including kidnapping and firearm possession.
The video captures the beginning of the standoff on May 30, 2023, between the police and Hammond. He had locked himself inside a Harrisburg home. Michele Peters, the girl’s mother, recorded Hammond holding her crying, autistic daughter. Police outside ordered Hammond to surrender.
Hammond told Peters that the police were trying to kill him and urged her to ‘trust in God’. He claimed he loved people and children while refusing to release the girl. Peters pleaded, asking for her child back and saying, ‘You’re scaring her.’
Hammond commanded Peters to continue filming with her phone. Meanwhile, police surrounded the apartment, repeatedly telling Hammond to exit with his hands up. Peters informed the officers that Hammond had entered her home and taken her child hostage.
Before the video recording began, Hammond, who was on the run from parole, had been approached by law enforcement. On the day of the incident, police saw him wearing a mask on a hot day, walking with another person. Officers noticed Hammond had a firearm. When they attempted to stop him, Hammond fled and then pointed a gun at the officers during the chase. However, the firearm did not discharge due to a lack of a chambered round.
Hammond then took refuge in the apartment where Peters lived with her three children. He believed being on camera would prevent officers from shooting him, so he forced Peters to record him as he held the child and the weapon.
Eventually, Peters managed to leave the apartment with her infant daughter. Hammond continued holding the toddler as negotiations with police stalled. After nearly six hours, a Crisis Response Team (CRT) entered the apartment from the back.
The DA’s office reported that Hammond held the toddler and aimed the pistol, placing it against the child’s face. A CRT member managed to divert the pistol and shot Hammond in the face. Other officers quickly secured the toddler and ensured her safety. Medical personnel provided immediate aid to Hammond, saving his life.