Suspect flees during barricade situation in Northwood

NORTHWOOD (WPVI) -- A suspect managed to escape during a barricade situation in the Northwood section of Philadelphia on Wednesday.

The incident began around 12 p.m. in the 1300 block of Arrott Street.

Investigators say a woman had been held in an apartment there for about a week. She had initially gone to the apartment voluntarily, police say, but was then held against her will.

The woman was able to flee captivity when the suspect was distracted by a maintenance man who was apparently there for a routine visit.

Police say she retrieved her cell phone, got out, then texted her sister, who then called police.

The woman was outside the apartment when officers arrived.

Police were able to have a brief conversation with the suspect, but he kept the door closed.

He reportedly had a gun.

"I had one ten second conversation with him by phone and he hung up," said Lt. Dennis Rosenbaum.

When there was no further communication, the SWAT team was called. SWAT officers eventually cleared the building to find the suspect was gone.

Police say the man may have escaped through a trap door that leads to various areas inside the building.

"He might have gotten out that way, or out a window, before we were able to contain him," said Rosenbaum.

The name of the suspect has not been released.

Police are interviewing the woman, as well as the legal resident of the apartment. He apparently told police the suspect had been staying in his unit.

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