Church Point Police Address Criticism Over Handling of Hostage Situation Involving Twin Babies

The Church Point Police Department has faced public scrutiny following their response to a harrowing hostage situation that unfolded last week in a Church Point apartment.

Officers were commended for successfully ensuring the safety of two 6-month-old twin babies but faced criticism over the suspect's escape. In response to the backlash, the police department took to social media to clarify their actions and address the public's concerns.

According to initial reports, the police received a distress call regarding a domestic situation, indicating that a suspect, armed and holding the twin babies hostage, was inside an apartment. Two Church Point police officers were the first to respond to the scene, and their primary objective was to gather information and secure the perimeter.

The situation quickly escalated as the responding officers faced the challenging task of securing the outside of the apartment, both front and back, while simultaneously evacuating neighboring apartments and managing uncooperative individuals, according to authorities. As more officers arrived at the scene, a comprehensive containment strategy was implemented to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

The Church Point Police Department emphasized that, given the information received regarding an armed suspect with hostages, their protocol dictated that they should not enter the premises unless active shots were being fired. The officers prioritized the safety of the hostages, themselves, and the suspect, as engaging without proper negotiation or adequate equipment could have led to tragic consequences.

Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the suspect had fled the scene before the responding officers were able to establish a secure perimeter. Despite their best efforts, the suspect managed to evade capture. The police department expressed their belief that the suspect had escaped prior to their arrival.

Addressing the criticisms directly, the Church Point Police Department took to Facebook to clarify the situation and dispel rumors. They highlighted the need to rely on confirmed information available at the time and emphasized the potential risks officers face in volatile situations. The post hoped to put to rest any misunderstandings surrounding the handling of the hostage situation.

The Church Point Police Department has assured the public that they remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

They have expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received while reaffirming their dedication to upholding their duty to protect and serve.

Meanwhile, KLFY is reporting that warrants for Isiah Lamar Dupree's arrest have been issued with multiple charges including Domestic Abuse Battery, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Convicted felon in Possession Firearm, and three counts of False Imprisonment with a Firearm