Suspect at center of Tuolumne County hostage situation facing several charges
TUOLUMNE COUNTY - The suspect in custody following a hostage situation in Tuolumne County is now facing several charges, including being a prohibited person in possession of firearms and false imprisonment.
Thursday's hostage situation ended with no injuries and after four hours of negotiations. Michael Snell, 47, allegedly held a woman inside a home on Phoenix Lake Road in Sonora, a two-lane road that was closed to through traffic for hours.
The goal in these situations: keep the suspect calm. That's what a Tuolumne County sheriff spokesperson said happened as the woman held inside the home against her will was able to leave safely. The suspect, who's now in custody, had scrapes and cuts on his arm. How he got those injuries is unknown at this time.
The incident began around 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon with a dropped 911 call. SWAT and crisis negotiators followed once they learned someone was inside. There were weapons inside the home but investigators say they don't know if they were being used as weapons and they're still interviewing people involved.
The female victim told deputies that she had been in an argument with the suspect, her boyfriend, whom she had a court order for. According to the victim, Snell had a second female hostage inside the bathroom, who was able to get out of the home safely after hours of negotiations.
The suspect surrendered and the sheriff's spokesperson didn't just compliment the teams involved but also the man now in custody.
"At the end of the day, we always hope for a peaceful resolution, [and] give credit where credit is due," said Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office Capt. of professional standards David Vasquez. "This individual is dealing with a lot, as some folks are, and we try to take that into consideration in the totality of the situation. I would commend how he allowed this to come to a peaceful resolution."
The suspect is set to get the help he needs, which includes mental health support, we're told.
There's no threat to the community and the road is reopened. Those who live near this home are asked to report any information that may be helpful as investigators learn more about what happened.
