Man Holds Mom Hostage for More Than 24 Hours

A standoff between a Pittsburg police SWAT team and crisis negotiations and a 20-year-old gunman who took his mother hostage Friday afternoon has been going on for more than 24 hours, a police spokesman said Saturday afternoon.
      
"Our plan is for a peaceful resolution," Pittsburg police Lt. Brian Addington said. "That is what we are aiming for, and we are willing to
wait as long as it takes."

The confrontation has continued with little change since about 1:30 p.m. Friday, when a neighbor in the apartment complex at 2 Marina Blvd. told property management that he had seen the suspect holding a gun and using profanity in the carport, Addington said.

Responding officers attempted to contact the suspect at the front door of an apartment unit, but he refused to speak with police, Addington said.

Officers saw the suspect through a window and witnessed him put the gun to his head, according to Addington.

The resulting standoff between the suspect, his hostage and law enforcement remained unchanged as of 1:30 p.m. today. Police have been communicating with the gunman and his mother.

"She has not been harmed by her son," Addington said.

About 40 residents have been evacuated from the neighborhood.

"We are obviously very appreciative of their patience," he said about the residents.

Personnel from the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office arrived at about 7 a.m. Saturday to help the Police Department.