One Taylor County neighborhood began their holiday weekend with violence that resulted in a hostage situation and standoff with Abilene SWAT team members.
The standoff occurred Saturday morning on Burnett Street in Merkel around 8:00.
According to a press release, the suspect was identified as 19-year-old Phillip Perez.. The suspect allegedly struck his girlfriend with a baseball bat multiple times.
When officers and deputies tried to contact the suspect, he refused to acknowledge their presence.
They were told that he was armed with a pistol and that an infant was still inside.
It is believed the child belongs to the victim and suspect who reside at the residence.
Due to Perez being armed with a child inside, APD SWAT and crisis prevention team members were called to the scene along with a mobile command unit.
Shortly after, Perez exited his residence with a pistol pointed at his head.
SWAT members tried to negotiate with Perez before he shot himself.
The infant was rescued and given to an EMS crew that was on standby.
The mother and the child were both taken to Hendrick Medical Center.
According to police, the mother had visible, significant injuries; the child was transported to the hospital as a precaution.
The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division will assist Merkel Police with this investigation.
(Information from BigCountryHomepage.com)