PORT ARTHUR — UPDATE: 3:52 p.m. Armed suspect in custody, child safe
An armed man who barricaded himself in his home with a small child for nine hours is now in police custody.
The 28-year-old man released the child to police earlier and the child’s grandmother may have suffered a heart attack during the incident. She was taken away by ambulance about an hour ago.
Check back as more information becomes available.
UPDATE: Hostage situation in Port Acres area
Students at Memorial 9th Grade Campus, formerly Stephen F. Austin Middle School, were evacuated to Memorial High School Wednesday morning due to a hostage situation in a nearby neighborhood.
Mark Porterie, deputy superintendent of Port Arthur ISD, said the students will be dismissed from the high school if the situation is ongoing by 2 p.m.
A Blackboard Connect automated message will be sent to parents to let them know where to pick up their children.
Students who ride the bus will do so as they normally do and parents who provide transportation for their children can pick them up at the Career and Technology Education Building. The district is asking parents to begin picking up their children between 2:30 and 3 p.m. which is the same time the middle school day ends normally.
Port Arthur Police received a call Wednesday morning of an intoxicated person causing a disturbance. Once police arrived, the armed person barricaded himself inside a residence in the 2500 block of 61st Street with a small child inside.
SWAT and hostage negotiators are on scene with the suspect at this time.
Previous reporting:
The Port Arthur News is on scene of a hostage situation in the Port Acres area of the city.
Port Arthur Police received a call earlier of an intoxicated person causing a disturbance. Once police arrived, the armed person barricaded himself inside a residence in the 2500 block of 61st Street with a small child inside.
The public is asked not to travel in the area of town if not absolutely necessary.
Check back as more information becomes available.
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