DRAMATIC SHOOTOUT: Woman Held Hostage, Gunfire Exchanged In Tense Seven-Hour Stand-Off

Police in California have released footage showing parts of a dramatic seven-hour standoff that ended with officers rescuing an alleged hostage and arresting the suspect.

The incident took place in southwest Bakersfield, in the USA, on 17th January.

It reportedly began around 8:17 pm in the 7700 block of Cibola Drive, after officers responded to a report of a woman being held against her will by a man, later identified as Richard Frio, who was possibly armed.

Video footage shows a woman leaving the house, followed by Frio opening fire with a rifle from inside.

Officers returned fire, leading to a nearly seven-hour standoff.

Frio continued shooting at officers, hitting several homes and causing a non-life-threatening injury to a bystander.

Frio was taken into custody at 3:46 am without injury from the officers' gunfire.

The involved officers—Sgt. During the investigation, John Rodrigues, Officer Riley Ludeke, and Officer Issak Beltran have been placed on paid administrative leave.

Bakersfield Police are investigating the use of force to ensure compliance with the law and department policy.