A hostage situation involving a felon ended peacefully yesterday when Phoenix and Glendale police officers talked the suspect into surrendering. The incident began just after noon on Thursday, February 25, 2010 in the area of 44th Avenue and Bethany Home Road.
Phoenix Police gang squad officers stopped a vehicle to talk to the driver, Victor Hernandez, 24, to question him regarding a homicide investigation. As he was detained, the passenger in the vehicle, Ruben Valdez, 30, took off on foot and ran into a neighboring apartment complex. Armed with a handgun, Valdez entered a stranger’s apartment and barricaded himself in the bathroom. The man in the apartment was not harmed and was quickly taken to safety by police who continued to negotiate with Valdez. A short time later, Valdez surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.
Police searched the suspect’s vehicle and found ammunition, cocaine that had been packaged for sale, and approximately $1,100 in cash. Phoenix police spokesperson, Sergeant Tommy Thompson indicated that both suspects in this incident will face a list of charges that could include possession of narcotic drugs for sale and transporting narcotics. Victor Hernandez may also be charged with making gang threats, participation in a criminal syndicate and federal weapons violations. Valdez is facing felony probation violations including possession of a prohibited handgun.