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(KSL News) Tense moments at a Smith's grocery store after a man in the parking lot pulls a gun on his mother.
The hostage situation unfolded just before 9:00, at the Smith's on 845 East, 45th South.
Officers were called out after receiving complaints of a suspicious man in the parking lot. But when Salt Lake County deputies tried to talk to the man, he began to get hostile and started backing away.
Lt. Mike Wardle/ Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office: "At that time, the mother of the male arrived, and walked up to the male. He grabbed his mother by the throat, produced a gun and placed the gun up to her head in a hostage-type situation."
The mother was able to break free and with the help of the suspect's aunt, the two pushed the man into some bushes.
That's when officer's were able to make the arrest.
They say the gun was fully loaded. And it appears the man was involved in an earlier domestic violence dispute.
The suspect now faces several charges, including aggravated kidnapping, and possession of a stolen fire arm.
