Phoenix police saved a toddler last month after the child was held hostage by a machete-wielding man during a domestic violence incident.
Officers responded to a Sept. 24 call after receiving a 9-1-1 text concerning a man, later identified as Wilson Melgar, who was threatening family members with a machete while holding his child, KPHO-TV reports. Police ordered Melgar to release the child and drop his machete, but he refused.
Officers fired a 40mm Styrofoam round, but it failed to subdue him. Police then opened fire, and Melgar was struck.
Melgar was rushed to the hospital after he was disarmed. He faces multiple charges, including child abuse, aggravated assault and kidnapping.
The toddler suffered minor injuries and was safely removed from the residence.
“This case highlights how critical alternative communication options can be in domestic violence situations,” dispatcher Samantha Perez told KPHO. “It can truly be life-saving.”
The department’s is reviewing the incident.
This article was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
