Conviction in Pennsylvania Hostage Standoff Involving 2-Year-Old

Pennsylvania authorities have released intense video footage from the trial of Antonio Hammond, who took a 2-year-old girl hostage in her home. The girl’s mother pleaded for her release during a prolonged standoff with the police.

Conviction in Dauphin County

A jury found Antonio Hammond guilty of kidnapping, possession of a firearm, and multiple other offenses, as announced by the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office.

The Standoff

The trial footage reveals the tense moments at the start of the May 30, 2023, standoff in Harrisburg. Michele Peters, the child’s mother, recorded Hammond as he held her crying, autistic daughter. Meanwhile, police outside the residence demanded Hammond surrender.

During the standoff, Hammond insisted to the distraught mother that the police aimed to harm him and urged her to “trust in God”. He expressed affection for people and children in the video.

I love people. I love kids, Hammond declared.

Michele Peters implored him to release her daughter, stating,Give me my baby, please! You’re scaring her.

Escalation and Police Response

Before the incident, Hammond had been avoiding parole supervision. On the day of the standoff, officers noticed him wearing a mask and reported seeing a firearm in his possession. Attempts to apprehend him led to a chase during which Hammond tried but failed to fire at the officers.

Hammond then forcibly entered the apartment occupied by Peters and her children. He coerced Peters into filming him, believing this would prevent the police from shooting him on camera.

Resolution and Arrest

The standoff closed nearly six hours later when a Crisis Response Team (CRT) entered through a rear entrance. Hammond held the toddler and pointed a firearm at the officers; he even aimed the gun at the child’s face.

A CRT member subdued Hammond by forcing the gun down and shooting him in the face. The team rescued the child, and medics treated Hammond, preserving his life.