NAMPA - Nampa Police have given the all-clear after a hostage situation Saturday afternoon at 3rd Street North and Pops Street.
Police say a 52-year-old Nampa man who recently moved to the area from California was holding a disabled adult hostage.
Nampa Police Sergeant Joe Ramirez says the adult male victim lived in the home and the suspect had moved in about two months ago.
Ramirez said Saturday afternoon, two men came to the Nampa Police Department concerned for their friend, later identified as the victim. The two told police when they had attempted to check on their friend, the suspect would not allow them to enter or speak with him. The friends went back to the scene and tried to contact the victim again. Ramirez said they were "forcibly removed" from the property and when the two looked in the windows, they saw the suspect had a handgun.
Nampa Police responded to the home around 3 p.m. Police confirmed two men were inside, one with a gun. The homes on either side were evacuated, and neighbors living in the block were told to stay inside. One neighbor spoke with KTVB via phone.
"They've got yellow caution tape around two blocks as well as Pops and 3rd where this particular residence is located at," said neighbor Keoni Lima. "The officer presence is significant. There's probably 40-50 officers here in this two block radius and everyone in our area has been instructed to stay in our homes, lock our doors and windows and remain inside."
Nampa Police brought in their Special Operations Unit, commonly called their SWAT team. They planned to bring in the bomb squad, not because of fear of explosives, but to use the robotics to get closer to the home.
A little after 4 p.m., police say the suspect and the victim peacefully came out the front door of the home. Each were taken in separate police vehicles. Ramirez said he does not believe the victim to be physically injured. He said there are not yet charges filed, but the suspect is being investigated for possible kidnapping, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and abuse of a vulnerable adult.
