Hostage Situation Ends
By: Kevin Flanigan
Updated: September 21, 2012
PITTSBURGH - The man holding a hostage in Downtown Pittsburgh surrendered to authorities early Friday afternoon. Twenty Two year old Klein Michael Thaxton is described by authorities as "a sick young man" who is now in police custody.
This hostage situation drew a huge response from a number of police agencies. All morning long, authorities in downtown Pittsburgh were on high alert.
Thaxton entered the 3 Gateway Center shortly after Eight Friday morning. He went to the 16th floor of the office building where he proceeded to enter the offices of an investment firm, C.W. Breitsman and Associates. That firm handles pensions and other financial matters for a number of clients.
Inside the office, Thaxton took one of the principals of that firm hostage. The 16th floor was locked down as police converged on the scene. Workers from nearby offices reported some tense moments after the one worker was taken hostage.
Thaxton, a former member of the military who had a criminal record, and had undergone court ordered mental health treatment. Police said that Thaxton posted on Facebook that he'd recently lost everything and that no one would have to worry about him anymore. As friends reached out to comfort him, Police brought in Thaxton's mother and several other relatives to talk to him.
Just before two Friday afternoon, police announced that the gunman had surrendered to police and both he and his hostage were uninjured.
This hostage situation drew a huge response from a number of police agencies. All morning long, authorities in downtown Pittsburgh were on high alert.
Thaxton entered the 3 Gateway Center shortly after Eight Friday morning. He went to the 16th floor of the office building where he proceeded to enter the offices of an investment firm, C.W. Breitsman and Associates. That firm handles pensions and other financial matters for a number of clients.
Inside the office, Thaxton took one of the principals of that firm hostage. The 16th floor was locked down as police converged on the scene. Workers from nearby offices reported some tense moments after the one worker was taken hostage.
Thaxton, a former member of the military who had a criminal record, and had undergone court ordered mental health treatment. Police said that Thaxton posted on Facebook that he'd recently lost everything and that no one would have to worry about him anymore. As friends reached out to comfort him, Police brought in Thaxton's mother and several other relatives to talk to him.
Just before two Friday afternoon, police announced that the gunman had surrendered to police and both he and his hostage were uninjured.
