A dramatic hostage situation in Fort Collins led to the swift intervention of the city’s SWAT team.
The incident took place Friday evening, when police responded to a call about a woman being held against her will.
Hostage Situation in Fort Collins
The situation began when a man called 911 and claimed to be holding a woman hostage, threatening to kill her.
During the call, dispatchers heard a woman in the background asking for help, confirming the severity of the situation.
Police identified the location as a residential area on Bear Creek Drive, just blocks away from Troutman Park in Fort Collins.
As the man continued his threat, officers responded quickly to the scene, preparing for a potential standoff.
A reverse 911 alert was issued to warn nearby residents of the ongoing situation.
With the man reportedly armed and dangerous, authorities acted swiftly to assess the threat.
SWAT Team Response and Arrest
Fort Collins’ Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was called in to handle the dangerous situation.
The team set up a perimeter around the home, while crisis negotiators worked to communicate with the suspect and peacefully resolve the standoff.
Despite efforts to negotiate, the situation escalated, and the SWAT team made the decision to enter the home.
By 8:15 PM, SWAT officers had successfully entered the residence and arrested Erik Dunning without further violence.
The woman was immediately rescued and given medical attention for serious injuries she had sustained during the ordeal.
The swift and professional response of the police team helped prevent a worse outcome.
Charges and Victim's Condition
Erik Dunning now faces several serious charges, including first-degree assault and second-degree kidnapping.
The charges reflect the severity of the crime and the threat posed to the victim’s life.
Police have not provided specific details about the injuries the victim sustained but confirmed they were serious.
Following the arrest, the investigation continues with Fort Collins Police working closely with the District Attorney’s Office.
Dunning remains in custody as authorities prepare for the legal proceedings.
The police emphasized that hostage situations are extremely rare in the city, and the successful outcome highlights their well-trained response to dangerous situations.
