Auto Theft Suspect Holds Mesa Family Hostage Before Evading Police

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​The Mesa Police Department is looking for a man it says held a family hostage for about an hour and a half this morning before sneaking away from the scene as police closed in.

The suspect, a black guy with dreadlocks, was stopped by police prior to the hostage situation while driving near Guadalupe and Extension Roads about 7 a.m. today. The officer who pulled him over discovered the car he was driving was stolen.


The suspect ran from the scene and into a nearby neighborhood, where he slipped through the doggy door and hid inside the victims' house as police searched for him outside.

The man held the family hostage for about an hour and a half, before taking them out of the house to drive him out of the area.

When he noticed police were already in the area, the victims say the suspect ran back into the house.

Police on the scene barricaded the roads in the area, and evacuated every house in the cul-de-sac where the suspect was last seen -- but he got away.

In addition to being a black guy with dreadlocks, the suspect is further described as being six feet tall and 190 pounds. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a dark shirt and dark jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Mesa Police Department.