SWAT team rescues hostage in dramatic apartment standoff

In a recent council meeting, Unified Police Department (UPD) Chief Morse delivered a report highlighting the department's ongoing initiatives and recent activities. Notably, the UPD is participating in Breast Cancer Awareness Month by having officers wear pastel pink uniforms and special pink and purple patches to support both breast cancer and domestic violence awareness.

In September, the UPD received a total of 2,789 calls, averaging 100 calls per officer, and opened 924 cases. The Violent Crimes Unit currently has 209 open cases, with 10 new cases reported in September. Additionally, the Special Victims Unit is managing 96 open cases, also with 10 new cases for the month.

The report also detailed the department's enforcement efforts, which included issuing 375 citations—343 of which were penalty citations. Chief Morse mentioned a significant SWAT operation that occurred in early October at the Midwell Apartments, where a hostage situation unfolded. Officers successfully rescued a female victim who had been abducted at knifepoint, apprehending the suspect without injury to the victim.

The meeting transitioned to public comments, but no community members stepped forward to address the council. The session concluded with a light-hearted exchange between the chief and council members, emphasizing the camaraderie within the meeting.