Detective John O'Connor of the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office filed a criminal complaint charging Antonio Hammond with kidnapping of a minor, burglary, aggravated assault, criminal trespass, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a fugitive, receiving stolen property (for possession of a stolen firearm) and related offenses.  The charges arose out of an incident on May 30, 2023, in Hall Manor in Harrisburg. Police charge that Antonio Hammond, age 28, took a 2-year-old girl as a hostage in her home after fleeing from police.  Despite pleas from police and the child's mother, Hammond held the toddler for nearly six hours, with the use of a handgun.

Hammond was the subject of a warrant for violation of his parole issued on February 23, 2023.  The Fugitive Task Force had sought to apprehend him since issuance of that warrant.  On the afternoon of May 30, 2023, officers observed the fugitive Hammond.  Hammond fled and pointed a handgun at officers as he fled.  Hammond unlawfully entered a stranger's home and barricaded himself within, taking the toddler as a hostage.  The District Attorney has charged that Hammond's possession of the firearm was unlawful because of his prior felony conviction for aggravated assault.  The Dauphin County Crisis Response Team (CRT), a county police tactical squad, immediately responded to the hostage situation.

During the standoff, Hammond had repeatedly pointed the gun at the toddler.  At an opportune moment, identified through constant surveillance, members of the Dauphin County tactical team entered the residence to free the child hostage.  During the entry, Hammond pointed the pistol at the entering officers and attempted to fire.  One of the members of the tactical team fired on Hammond, striking him in the head.  The CRT Team has paramedics from Penn State Health attached to the unit.  Those paramedics quickly applied critical care to Hammond and saved him from immediate death.  Emergency responders transported Hammond to the hospital for treatment and he remains in hospital care. 

The charges against Hammond are mere allegations.  He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at trial.