If this opportunity presents itself, the hostage will have only one chance to carry it out. There may be times when the hostage has the opportunity to overpower and gain control of the hostage-taker. Think twice about attempting to intercede-this may cause you additional problems.Įvery hostage situation is different.
If a crime occurs in your presence (assault, battery, etc.), note all the specifics surrounding the incident. Note the hostage-taker's general demeanor, weapons, appearance, name, etc. This facilitates better communication among the hostages and better control by the rescuers if an assault is made.ĭuring the hostage-taker incident, continue to mentally record all events that transpire. Further, if there are additional hostages, try to remain as close together as possible. Naturally, if a rescue attempt is initiated, these two avenues are the most commonly used entrances.
Make an effort to locate yourself away from windows and doors. Simply put, behave yourself and be the best hostage you can be. Attempt to do the things that you are ordered to do. Keeping this in mind, you must not become more of a problem than you already are. While negotiations are actively taking place, assault plans are being drawn and reviewed.Īlways consider yourself a target for the hostage-taker. As a hostage, understand that the longer an incident lasts, the better prepared a rescue attempt will be. As time progresses, the hostage and his captor have the opportunity to emotionally bond and, in general, calm down. Tension, stress and anxiety are all extremely high in the hostage-taker, hostage and rescue personnel. The first two hours of any hostage incident are the most dangerous. Truly believe that given time, the incident will be terminated and you will be safely released. Understand that officers and trained negotiators have perfected their talents to a point where these types of incidents have been brought to a successful conclusion time and time again. Although the major goal for a hostage is survival, these minor obtainable goals are also vital.Īs a hostage, you must never doubt that you will be rescued. Certain tasks, such as eating and exercising (if possible), are vital in maintaining a healthy outlook and preparedness for a rescue attempt. A hostage must place in his mind certain obtainable items that he or she wishes to accomplish. Anderson fled on foot and attempted to carjack a woman a few blocks away.Depending upon the total length of the incident, personal goal setting is an essential survival technique. 8, Anderson placed a gun to a victim's head and pulled the trigger but the gun did not fire. Prior to taking the woman hostage, Anderson had allegedly shot a teenage boy, attempted to carjack a woman and tried to steal a bicycle. The department released the footage so the public has "a better understanding of what occurred," according to Spell. Spell said Anderson, 45, of Los Angeles, died at the scene. One clip released by the LAPD shows the hostage crawling away from Anderson after SWAT team members break through the door. The incident was also captured on police body-camera video. Shortly after officers enter the apartment, gunshots ring out. Several bangs are heard in the video and Anderson appears to grab the woman again.Īnother bang is heard followed by several officers storming into the apartment, the video shows. People on the street below are heard screaming.Īnderson appears to let go of the woman and pace around her apartment.
"SWAT officers immediately forced entry into the apartment and an officer-involved shooting occurred."Ĭellphone footage filmed in a building across the street shows Anderson appearing to hold the woman in front of a window. "During the standoff, Anderson moved the hostage to a window overlooking the street and was observed pointing a handgun at her head," Spell said.
Stacy Spell, an LAPD spokesman, said in a YouTube video that Anderson entered a woman's apartment, took her hostage at gunpoint and created "a barricaded situation." Surveillance video shows Anderson, who appears to be carrying a gun, entering the apartment building followed closely by police. The hostage was rescued and was not injured during the incident. The video was released by the Los Angeles Police Department on Thursday as officials continue an investigation into the Oct. Dramatic video shows the moment SWAT team members stormed into a Los Angeles apartment and fatally shot a man holding a woman hostage.