Police in Ogden, Utah trying to serve a felony drug warrant on a man ended up in a strange 16-hour standoff. Highlighted by the man updating his Facebook status.
While 36-year old Jason Valdez kept Swat teams at bay after locking himself inside a hotel room with a female hostage, he communicated with friends and family members via the world’s most popular social networking site.
“He had a smartphone with him and he was making updates,” Ogden Police Lt. Danielle Croyle told ABC News. “The officers on the scene were aware of it and they changed tactics accordingly.”
At one point a friend sent Valdez a warning.
“Gun ner in the bushes stay low,” wrote the poster.
“Thank you homie,” Valdez replied. “Good looking out.”
The tense situation that started last Friday (June 17) ended not long after Valdez posted one last message.
Soon afterwards Swat teams burst into the room and found Valdez with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. The hostage was said to be unharmed.
Valdez is expected to make a full recovery, but will be in all kinds of trouble with police when he’s released from the hospital.
He’s facing kidnapping and attempted homicide charges. Police say some of his Facebook friends may also be in trouble for trying to help him.
