Alone at Gunpoint for 4 Hours, This Teenage Girl Talked Her Captor Out of Shooting Anyone
- Posted on August 7, 2012 at 3:55pm by
Jason Howerton
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(Source: ABC News)
On the same day as the tragic Sikh temple shooting in Oak Creek, Wisc., another gunman entered a sporting goods store in Yuba City, Calif. on Sunday with unknown intentions. He proceeded to hold a female employee at gunpoint for nearly four hours, ABC News reports.
She says she will never be the same and that the ordeal has given her a new respect for life.
Police believe the standoff was the result of a botched robbery at the Big 5 Sporting Goods store. The suspect, identified as Juan Carlos Alvarez, 29, ultimately surrendered to authorities without incident, but everyone involved in the case knows it could have ended much, much worse.
The female hostage, Allyson Taylor, 18, was able to escape the horrifying incident unscathed due to what authorities say was quick thinking on her part. Officials say Taylor’s ability to reason with her captor and talk him down may have saved lives on that fateful Sunday.
Allyson Taylor, 18. (Source: ABC News)
“She knew when to push, she knew when to let him be. You can’t help but thank her enough and be in awe of that young girl,” said Shawna Pavey, operations support manager for the Yuba City Police Department.
Taylor recounted her terrifying ordeal.
“He didn’t want to die that day,” she told ABC News, talking about her captor. “He wanted to be able to see his daughter again and so I knew that… as long as, ‘You don’t hurt me you can see your daughter again.’”
It all began at around 11 a.m. on Sunday as Taylor was busy greeting incoming customers at the store’s entrance. She was the first person to interact with the gunman.
“He lifted up his shirt, pulled the gun out and immediately pointed it at me,” Taylor explained. “He raised the gun and let off a shot towards the ceiling.”
Meanwhile, the store’s manager quickly dialed 911, begging for police assistance as she hid in her office.
“I have a gunshot in the store. I need an officer here now,” the manager told a 911 operator.
“At the Big 5?” the operator asked.
“Yes, I’m hiding under the desk in the office.”
Another employee, Matthew Rasul, 23, was returning from his break when he saw the incident play out from across the store.
“I was just in the dark, there is nothing worse than not knowing because I always assumed the worst was going on, and that is the scariest thing,” Rasul told ABC News.
He too dialed 911 immediately.
“I see my manager and one of our part-time workers with their hands up. I’m not going to go let myself be seen,” Rasul told a 911 operator.
“Oh no, no, no, I’m not telling you to go out there. What is it that he said?” asked the operator.
“Nothing he said ‘Come over here’ and then he has one of our part-time workers,” Rasul answered.
(Source: ABC News)
Juan Carlos Alvarez, 29. (Source: ABC News)
As the staff members were trying desperately to alert the authorities, Alvarez was reportedly seen dragging Taylor by the neck into the store office where the safe was kept. She explained to the gunman that she didn’t know the combination to the safe, however, Alvarez just replied he didn’t want money.
Over the next several hours, Alvarez never told Taylor exactly what it was he wanted or why he was holding her hostage.
“I knew in my mind that it would be easier for him to shoot me if I didn‘t look him in the eye or if I didn’t talk to him, make a connection with him,” Taylor told ABC News.
ABC News reports she spoke to the armed assailant in a “soothing tone” and tried to remind him that if he didn’t hurt anyone he would be able to see his daughter again. At the same time, multiple calls from hostage negotiators were coming in, trying to convince the suspect to end the standoff.
Finally, at around 3 p.m., four hours after the standoff began, Alvarez agreed to turn himself over to police. It must have felt like an eternity for the 18-year-old hostage.
“I just started shaking, I could barely walk out of the store,” Taylor added. “But once I was in the hands of the police officers, I knew at that point I was fine and OK.”
Alvarez faces multiple charges including robbery, kidnapping and false imprisonment. Additional charges may be filed after the District Attorney reviews the case.
In the aftermath, Taylor is reluctant to take credit for averting a tragedy, KTXL reports.
Sometimes, it is just as important for the stories with happy endings to make the headlines.
Watch the full ABC News report here.
This story has been updated.
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Sara123
Posted on August 8, 2012 at 2:14pmSo one time I was Christmas shopping at a mall. On the way out, I passed an Hispanic men in a face off with two white teens. I passed along and got into my car. As I passed the entrance on the way out of the parking lot I saw them still all puffed up in a stare down conflict. I pulled over. I walked over to them and said “Hi, I’m Sara.“ They all look at me and some said ”hi.’ I said, “I noticed something going on and was wondering if you would tell me what happened.” I learned that women with the Hispanic man told him the white teens were dissing them with a look. I giggled. Then they giggled. I said ‘nothing better than women pitting men against one another.” They all nodded and left.
Report Post »SkiNWa
Posted on August 9, 2012 at 3:07amI’m glad you were able to make those men see the foolishness of their actions. Unfortunately this story: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/chilling-cell-phone-video-shows-violent-last-moments-of-murdered-military-vet/ Has a different ending.
Report Post »NoNannyState4me
Posted on August 8, 2012 at 1:24amI‘m surprised he didn’t shoot himself in the head after having to listen to her yap her beak at him for 4 hours.
Report Post »FREEDOMoverFEAR
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 9:20pmTalk is cheap bullets cost money but are effective. Click Click bang bye bye criminal.
Report Post »Bruce P.
Posted on August 8, 2012 at 5:44amTalk saved lives. So much for it being cheap.
Just shooting everyone is the coward’s way.
Report Post »Twobyfour
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 8:34pm@Want our country back
I’ve been desperate many times, but never ever resorted to this type of behavioral pattern (taking hostages at gunpoint). Your quip sounds like an excuse. There can be none.
Report Post »fancydancy
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 7:19pmShe showed love and concern for him and he spared her life. Hurting people hurt people. I remember a story years ago of two teenagers robbing and elderly lady…they were busy stuffing her silver and heirlooms and other valuables in a pillowcase when she cam downstairs and caught them. She looked at them and said, “Here if you need stuff this badly, let me help you” (or something to that affect). They were so moved by her loving attitude and lack of anger that they threw down their booty and ran away.
We have heard other stories of someone caring and showing loving concern to someone who is
Report Post »in trouble or stressed and they were allowed to go free. Those who enter with intent to destroy often do not give their victims a chance but it sure wouldn’t hurt to try…as she did…and she possibly won her life back and maybe his, too.
lookatthefactsjack
Posted on August 8, 2012 at 5:34amHold on a second. She didn’t do this by herself….If it wasn’t for Obozo allowing all the illegals into the country and Holder arming them, then this would have been ‘just another day’ for this young lady.
Report Post »ONLY4UANDME
Posted on August 8, 2012 at 10:08amJack, Jack, Jack…what about the roads and bridges. We all helped here.
Report Post »RSHLUVER
Posted on August 9, 2012 at 12:55am@ lookatthefactsjack I agree. What was the legal immigration status of the suspect?
Report Post »amazingphotos
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 6:22pmToo bad the SOB wasn’t shot! After the terror he inflicted on that young woman, he no longer should be breathing.
Report Post »fedupv2
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 6:03pmIf they keep the good illegals here and deport the “dangerous” ones he probably wants a free ride home.
Report Post »chips1
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 9:16pmIf he sends Obama a check for $465 then all will be forgiven. It’s a new Obama law.
Report Post »Dems8it2010
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 5:44pmOak Hill, WI??? Try Oak Creek, WI
Report Post »MEANS2RESIST
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 5:11pmGoos job young lady, bet those cops were dissapointed you were able to talk him down, I’m sure they were chomping at the bit to blow away an an untrained, lightly armed easy target.
Report Post »leonardo44
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 4:59pmwow , impressive young woman.
Report Post »FloridaFarmGirl
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 4:55pmYou, young lady, have your act together. You go, girl!!! What a smart girl! This thing was probably an illegal alien living off of the taxpayers. Probably never get deported or serve a day in jail.
Report Post »jcizarter
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 7:28pmHe may have just arrived due to the Obama Presidential mandate to allow all illegals to come into the country.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 4:43pmGuns are usually in the back of a sporting goods store. Why weren’t several employees arming themselve as soon as they heard the gun shot? Don‘t believe they haven’t played that scenario out in their heads many times.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 4:53pmI‘ll assume they didn’t want to hit the girl while he was dragging her to the back.
Report Post »rlmeals
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 4:56pmAbsolutely. I’m a CHL holder, and I wouldn’t hesitate in grabbin a rifle and a box of ammo and finding myself a good little perch. Oh, the police will say that we should never take things into our own hands, but that’s BS. If people who are trained to use firearms would actually take responsibility and use them, I think the outcomes of these incidents would be a lot different. Like the lady who shot the guy who killed people at that church (was that Colorado, I think?). When seconds count, the police are just minutes away!!!
Report Post »Docrow
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 5:51pmThe only guns I see on Big 5 web site are air rifles. I’m guessing the stores are the same?
Report Post »fedupv2
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 6:01pmThink Cali. and guns as too why there was no opposition.
Report Post »Bub47
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 6:14pmI know Big5 and the area. There is a very good chance that they don’t sell firearms.
Report Post »RLNoland
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 8:53pmMost guns are locked up, the person with the key would have to be close.
Report Post »rich43068
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 4:29pmHe’s a dreamer …
Report Post »www.TopTheNews.com
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 4:17pmWhat an amazing girl…This guy clearly had nothing to lose.
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 4:10pmComposed brave young woman. She has the warrior heart. She remained calm and focused while in extreme danger. The most telling sign. The adrenalin rush happened afterwards. Well done.
Report Post »Twobyfour
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 8:42pmYep, my assessment as well.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 4:05pmPRAYING ON, AMERICA.
We never know when or where our prayers will be answered, but GOD does.
Thank YOU, LORD, for being present in that situation before, during and even now. In JESUS’ SWEET AND MIGHTY name, amen.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 4:11pmGod was with her then indeed.
Report Post »HumbleMan
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 5:33pmI’m with you on that.Heaven was watching.
Report Post »RLNoland
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 8:42pmSo, what your saying is God wasn’t looking out for the folks in the theater. It was OK for them to die?
Report Post »chips1
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 9:19pmGod doesn’t watch R rated movies.
Report Post »Bruce P.
Posted on August 8, 2012 at 5:41amCHIPS — He doesn’t?
God wouldn‘t watch Schindler’s List?
Or Saving Private Ryan?
Or the Passion of the Christ?
Why wouldn’t god watch a rated-R movie? If the Bible were translated accurately to film, it would be rated-R. Hell, life is a rated-R movie.
By the way, it was a PG-13 movie. And your assertion is quite disgusting. That god forsook them for the crime of going to a movie…what a lovely belief you have.
Report Post »Bruce P.
Posted on August 8, 2012 at 5:43amIt wasn’t prayer that got her out, it was her own intelligence and wits.
Report Post »AIDANMAN
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 4:04pmsurvey says….. illegal or llegal ?
Report Post »gurlpleeze
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 4:12pm@AIDANMAN, i go with illegal
Report Post »Blazebanned
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 4:43pmI’ll go with wet-back….
Report Post »Want our country back
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 4:00pmDesperate people do desperate things, Glad that things worked out for everybody. He too might have a new appreciation for life.
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