Kidnapping Suspect Livestreams Barricade, Standoff In Palmdale

PALMDALE (CBSLA) - A suspected kidnapping and barricade situation involving a baby that began Wednesday evening at an apartment complex in Palmdale was still ongoing early Thursday morning, this after the suspect allegedly livestreamed a portion of the standoff on Instagram.

The incident began in the 38000 block of 5th Street East at around 6:20 p.m. Wednesday.

At one point, a male suspect surrendered to Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies, according to Sky2 reporter Desmond Shaw. However, a female suspect remained in the apartment and could be seen holding a baby as she stepped onto the balcony.

The child is believed to be the woman's, though she has no custodial rights and the situation has been deemed a kidnapping, according to sheriff's officials. The female suspect also livestreamed a portion of the situation on Instagram.

It's unclear if the woman was armed.

Surrounding residences have been evacuated.

The situation was ongoing as of 9:30 a.m. Thursday. However, power was shut off at the apartment in the early morning hours Thursday and the Instagram Live was halted.

An LASD SWAT team was on scene, along with crisis negotiators.

There are two schools in the area, Palm Tree and Tumbleweed elementary schools. It was unclear if they were holding classes as scheduled.