The suspect in a dramatic hostage situation at the Caesars Palace hotel in Las Vegas threatened his landlord in Colorado before going on a drug binge that unfolded in Tuesday’s incident, according to police records.
Matthew Mannix, 35, had an outstanding warrant in his home state of Colorado before he allegedly took a woman hostage at the famous resort. The warrant stemmed from Mr Mannix allegedly threatening his landlord “not to mess with him” because he was “a killer” and a “hunter,” according to Jefferson County court records obtained by FOX 31.
The landlord also told law enforcement that Mr Mannix was in possession of a firearm, which led to four weapons being seized from his home. Due to his previous criminal history, which includes four protection orders against him, he is barred from owning any type of firearm.
Mr Mannix was contacted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office but failed to meet with deputies, prompting law enforcement to issue a fugitive warrant.
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s affidavit for his arrest, both Mr Mannix and the hostage victim, who was not named but was described as having been in an on-and-off relationship with her alleged captor, were suspected of having experienced “drug-induced schizophrenia”.
A SWAT standoff was launched after Mr Mannix allegedly forced the woman into his room before threatening to “shoot someone” if they entered. Mr Mannix was taken into custody about five hours later.
He appeared in court on Wednesday where a judge set his bail at $750,000.
