Police Rescue Infant from Knife-Wielding Suspect

On November 16 at 12:43 a.m. Pasadena Police officers responded to the Lincoln Motel, 1500 block of Lincoln Avenue, regarding a man acting strangely and arguing with a female.

Officers Adesina and Burchett arrived quickly and saw the suspect on the west side of the property, near room #110.

When the suspect observed the officers he retreated into room #110 and locked the door.

As other officers arrived at the scene, Officer Adesina looked through the window and observed the suspect, later identified as Steven Flowers, 32, a Pasadena resident, standing in the room holding a 10-month-old infant  in one arm and a knife with a six blade in in the other.

Flowers appeared agitated and angry. His erratic actions suggested to the officers he was possibly under the influence of a controlled substance and/or alcohol. Officer Adesina attempted to gain the suspect’s attention while other officers secured tactical positions outside the motel room.

Pasadena Police Sergeant Bzdigian arrived and assumed command. He observed Flowers holding the infant at knife point.

Bzdigian quickly assembled a emergency entry team. He assigned specific duties to each officer, which included arming some operators with less-lethal devices. Bzdigian also assigned lethal coverage to one operator in the event Suspect Flowers attempted to stab or cut the infant.

Officer Saunders, a trained negotiator, began talking with Flowers through the bedroom window. Officer Saunders asked Flowers to place the knife on the floor and release the infant. A moment later Flowers dropped the knife, however, he remained barricaded in the room with the infant.

At Sergeant Bzdigian’s direction Officers Adesina, Burchett, Martinez, Saunders, Reinbold, Newlen, and Corporal Mercado quickly entered to motel room (officers had obtained a pass key) to effect a rescue.

Upon entering the room, the suspect retreated into the corner of the bedroom and appeared to be squeezing the infant. Flowers was aggressive, belligerent and appeared paranoid. Officers continued to order  Flowers to release the infant in a calm and direct manner.

Fearing for the safety of the infant, Sergeant Bzdigian initiated the pre-arranged rescue plan. Officers acted as one unit, each with specific assignment simultaneously rescuing the infant and subduing Suspect Flowers. The suspect was arrested without further incident.

Some of the officers involved in the incident received minor injuries.

The infant and suspect were transported to a local area hospital for medical assessment. The suspect was later released from hospital and booked at the Pasadena Police jail.