Pennsylvania Standoff: Man Convicted After Taking Child Hostage

Pennsylvania authorities have shared intense video evidence from the trial of Antonio Hammond. Hammond was involved in a hostage situation involving a 2-year-old girl in Harrisburg. Her mother, Michele Peters, pleaded for her child’s release during a prolonged standoff with police.

A jury found Hammond guilty on charges of kidnapping, firearm possession, and other offenses, according to the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office. The incident occurred on May 30, 2023, when Hammond was trapped inside a home with the child. Peters recorded Hammond as he held her crying, autistic daughter, while officers outside demanded his surrender.

Hammond repeatedly claimed the police were “trying to kill” him and urged Peters to “trust in God.” Peters begged him to release her daughter, highlighting her fear and desperation.

“I love people. I love kids,” Hammond stated during the incident.

Peters replied, “I don’t know what you did. I don’t even know you. Give me my baby, please! You’re scaring her.” She continued to plead, emphasizing that Hammond had taken her pride and joy.

Hammond instructed Peters to keep filming him with her phone. She complied, telling him she was recording and following his instructions. As police surrounded the building, Hammond shouted, “I didn’t do anything.” Peters informed the officers that Hammond had taken her child hostage after entering her apartment uninvited.

Prior to the hostage situation, Hammond had fled law enforcement after absconding from parole. He was spotted wearing a mask on a hot day by officers who then noticed he had a firearm. When officers attempted to detain him, Hammond ran. During the chase, he pointed a gun at officers and pulled the trigger, but the gun did not fire. Officials indicated that the gun had a loaded magazine but no round in the chamber.

Hammond then broke into Peters’ apartment, demanding she record him on camera. He held her toddler while brandishing the firearm and shouting at police. Peters managed to leave with her infant, but Hammond kept the toddler.

After nearly six hours, a Crisis Response Team (CRT) entered the residence. Hammond held the toddler and pointed his gun at officers, even placing the barrel against the child’s face.

A CRT officer intervened by forcing Hammond’s gun away and shooting him. Officers secured the toddler’s safety, and medics on site treated Hammond, ultimately saving his life.