PHOENIX — Phoenix police say six officers and four other people were transported to the hospital after being sprayed with pepper spray and potentially exposed to methamphetamine and fentanyl.
The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. at the Capri on Camelback apartment complex near 40th Street and Camelback Road.
"Our officers respond to this location with people running from an apartment screaming that they had been held against their will," said Sgt. Justus, a spokesperson with Phoenix PD.
Phoenix police said four people were inside an apartment and were reportedly using meth and fentanyl throughout the day.
At some point one of the individuals "became upset."
"[He] barricaded the door shut and armed himself with a sharp weapon," said Sgt. Justus. "And would not let the other three people leave...We were told it was some type of large, edged weapon, similar to a machete."
Eventually, one of the hostages pepper-sprayed the suspect and escaped with the other two.
A victim called 911 and when officers arrived, they walked into a pepper spray fog. The officers also located meth and fentanyl in the room.
Sitch per PD:
— Zach Crenshaw (@ZachCrenshaw) May 18, 2021
4 people inside apt w/ illegal drugs (unknown what).
1 guy gets angry, pulls a machete, holds other 3 hostage.
One hostage pepper sprays dude.
All 3 escape. Call 911.
6 officers roll in, smell pepper spray & “unknown substance.”
Fear is fentanyl - so extra cautious. pic.twitter.com/DY9DR7iIxU
Due to the presence of drugs, the six officers, the three hostages, and the suspect were taken to the hospital as a precaution.
Police say the surrounding apartments were also evacuated due to the potential threat.
As of Tuesday morning, police say the citizens and officers are all "doing well."
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Lorenzo Cannata, was booked into jail on three counts of kidnapping and one count of armed robbery.
