Armed robbery of backpack leads to SWAT standoff in Pasco

A Pasco man is in jail after a robbery in Pasco led to an hourslong standoff with police at an apartment.

Ismael Soto Valdez, 36, went into the apartment of a 25-year-old man Sunday night on the 500 block of West Bonneville Street, Pasco police said.

Officers responded to the home around 9 p.m.

The victim told police that Valdez refused to return his backpack after taking it.

Valdez then threatened the man with a pistol before going to a nearby apartment, investigators said.

Officers surrounded the apartment as a man came outside.

The man told police that Valdez was in the apartment with a gun and holding others hostage.

The Tri-City Regional SWAT team responded and surrounded the home.

Valdez surrendered around 1:30 a.m., with police securing his two hostages.

A search of the apartment found the backpack, its contents and a BB pistol.

Valdez was arrested on suspicion of first-degree robbery and two counts of unlawful imprisonment.