Suspect in Critical Condition After Starting Fire During Standoff in Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A suspect is in critical condition after allegedly starting a fire inside a home where he was barricading himself. The incident occurred in northeast Albuquerque around 8 a.m. on Monday morning.
According to the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), they called out a SWAT team after the suspect, identified as Stiven Katicic, allegedly strangled his mother and sister and held them against their will. Fortunately, the police were able to safely rescue the victims, but Katicic refused to surrender.
In a video captured by a SWAT robot, Katicic can be seen lighting what appears to be a piece of fabric on fire and waving it in front of the robot. Within minutes, thick smoke filled the home, prompting Katicic to surrender shortly after.
This is not the first time a house fire has occurred during a SWAT situation in Albuquerque. Just over a year ago, a 14-year-old boy died in a fire that started from a ”flameless grenade” used by the APD during a standoff. The police were called to the home to arrest Qiaunt Kelley, who was wanted for a probation violation.
Following that tragic incident, the APD has implemented training for officers on how to handle fires during standoffs. They now deploy fire extinguishers to each side of the home when they are deployed to different sides, and officers are trained to be attentive to any signs of fire.
APD Deputy Chief Michael Smathers stated, “Since the San Joaquin incident, we train regularly with AFR. We deploy fire extinguishers to each side of the home when we are deployed to different sides of the home. And I can assure you that each member is really attentive to paying attention to any signs of the fire.”
The 34-year-old suspect in Monday morning’s standoff has a history of setting fires, according to the APD. He had also been released from the county jail on Sunday for a different incident.
Stay with KOB 4 Eyewitness News and KOB.com for updates on this developing story.
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What challenges did law enforcement face in negotiating with the suspect during the standoff?
Ed to the residence after receiving a report of a disturbance. When officers arrived, they discovered that the suspect had barricaded himself inside the home.
During the standoff, the suspect started a fire inside the residence. The fire quickly spread, causing significant damage to the property. The Albuquerque Fire Department was called to the scene to extinguish the flames.
Authorities worked to negotiate with the suspect, urging him to surrender peacefully. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, and the situation escalated when the suspect set the fire.
After several hours, the suspect was successfully apprehended by law enforcement. However, he was in critical condition due to injuries sustained during the standoff and the fire. He was immediately transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
No other injuries were reported, and the residents of neighboring homes were safely evacuated. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and charges against the suspect are pending.
The incident caused temporary road closures in the surrounding area, but the roads have since been reopened. The Albuquerque Police Department commended the swift response and collaboration between multiple agencies in handling the situation.
Local residents expressed their concern and shock over the incident, emphasizing the importance of community safety. They praised law enforcement for their efforts in protecting the community and bringing the situation under control.
As the investigation continues, authorities will work to determine the motives and circumstances behind the suspect’s actions.
This alarming incident in Albuquerque highlights the desperate measures some suspects may resort to during a standoff. The determination to set a home on fire leaves us with lingering concerns about the safety of residents and the need for swift and effective intervention strategies.