FORT COLLINS, Colo. — A shoplifting suspect was arrested after taking an officer's gun and barricading herself in the sally port of the Larimer County Jail for more than two hours Sunday, the Larimer County Sheriff's Office said.
Fort Collins Police officers responded just after 4 p.m. Sunday to a reported shoplifting incident in southeast Fort Collins and arrested the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Patricia Rodriguez of Greeley.
After the officer entered the jail's sally port, or vehicle bay, he secured his gun as required before entering the booking area.
When he went to remove Rodriguez from his car, he discovered she had slipped out of her handcuffs, manipulated the storage safety measures and gained access to his gun, according to the sheriff's office.
Rodriguez then barricaded herself in the officer's vehicle after attempting to take the officer hostage, who managed to escape to the secure booking area, the sheriff's office said.
Authorities, including a SWAT team, used numerous "less-lethal tools" while attempting to get Rodriguez to surrender. She eventually exited the vehicle at about 7:30 p.m. and was taken into custody with the help of a police K9, according to the sheriff's office.
She was evaluated by medical personnel at the jail and booked on three active arrest warrants and on suspicion of the following charges:
- First-degree assault
- First-degree aggravated robbery
- Second-degree attempted kidnapping
- Criminal mischief - $5,000 to $19,999
- Disarming a peace officer
- Resisting arrest
Fort Collins Police will file separate charges for the initial theft incident, the sheriff's office said.
“This suspect showed a disturbing disregard for the lives of first responders, the inmates in our care, and our community,” said Sheriff John Feyen. “I’m extremely grateful to everyone who worked together to safely resolve this incident and minimize disruption to jail operations. Challenging situations like this demonstrate the importance of top-notch training and strong relationships.”
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