A hostage situation in Saginaw Township, Michigan, came to a dramatic end last week after law enforcement used an unconventional tactic to draw out the suspect, who was eventually shot and killed.
Quinton Marquese Allen, 31, walked into Mercantile Bank on Friday at around 5 p.m., took an employee hostage, and demanded money.
The Hostage Situation
Allen, armed with a non-gun weapon, allegedly assaulted the hostage, whose identity has not been disclosed. Local police and the Michigan State Police quickly responded to the scene with SWAT-like vehicles and assault rifles. Despite their tactical presence, they were faced with the challenge of negotiating with the suspect and safely resolving the situation.
The Unconventional Tactic: Faygo Soda
In a move that seemed straight out of a film, authorities used a drone to lower a red Faygo soda bottle in a bag near a window where Allen was reportedly located inside the bank. This was based on Allen’s request for the drink during his negotiations with law enforcement, as reported by WNEM and MLive.
Once Allen saw the Faygo soda, he moved into view of the window, giving authorities a critical opportunity to spot him through the bank’s glass. At that moment, a state police trooper shot and killed him, neutralizing the threat and ending the four-hour standoff.
Aftermath of the Standoff
Following the suspect’s death, the hostage was freed and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Thankfully, the hostage was released later that night with no serious injuries. Authorities reported that the situation lasted approximately four hours, with police blocking off surrounding areas as citizens watched from a distance.
The Incident’s Beginning
Before the standoff, Allen had entered the bank to cash a check. However, when he was told the bank was closed and the check was fraudulent, he attacked the employee and demanded money. The situation quickly escalated into a hostage situation, prompting the response from law enforcement.
The Bank’s Response
Later that evening, Mercantile Bank released a statement on social media, thanking law enforcement for their swift and professional response. They confirmed that all employees were safe and assured the public that there was no ongoing threat. The bank also stated that it would be closed indefinitely due to the traumatic event.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement in handling high-stakes situations, and the creative methods sometimes used to de-escalate tense standoffs.
While the situation ended tragically for the suspect, the quick thinking of law enforcement and the use of a drone to assist in neutralizing the threat likely saved lives.
