A woman kidnapped at gunpoint from a Las Vegas shopping centre has been found dead along with the suspect believed to be behind the hostage situation.
Authorities responded to reports that a woman was kidnapped from a shopping centre and held hostage at the gunman's home on Thursday night.
Calls to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police (LVMPD) were made around 7.30pm after a man, believed to be the victim's ex-boyfriend, went into a nail salon and forced a woman into a car at gunpoint.
SWAT teams responded after a gunman was identified and police went to his home to set up a containment. Lieutenant Miguel Ibarra of the LVMPD said the suspect refused to come out.
Alongside the suspect and victim, inside were two other women and the 3-year-old child of the suspect and victim, police confirmed.
Three hours after police were called, the release of one woman and the young child was secured, but officials learned the initial victim was inside and unresponsive.
Initial calls to 911 explained a man, believed by police to be the victim's ex-boyfriend, and forced the woman at gunpoint into a silver SUV.
The number plate was used to track down the suspect to an address on Scrub Jay Court, near Fort Apache and Sunset roads.
SWAT teams were called in and a cordon was set up around the home.
After hours of tense standoff, during which time the child and one of the woman were released, SWAT moved in.
Officers entered to find the female victim dead. The cause of death has not yet been established.
The suspect was also found with a gunshot wound to the head and later died in hospital.
The final woman was found inside the house unharmed.
"This was a horrific incident across the board," Johansson told reporters.
News anchor Mike Allen tweeted at the time: "I’m seeing officers throw on bulletproof vests and loading rifles, heading toward an armed kidnapping situation in Summerlin. Police say a man took a female victim to his home."
He added later: "Seeing some officers clear out, but a watch commander just confirmed the victim is still in the home with the suspect. Also, this is just north of Rhodes Ranch, not in Summerlin.
"Hearing from multiple witnesses that several shots were fired. Some police cars and an ambulance were seen leaving the scene. A viewer tells me the victim’s family has arrived showed up and have been in tears because they don't know the status of their loved one."
