Suspect In Lake Charles Hostage Incident Arrested

LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — A 33-year-old Lake Charles man has been arrested for holding his girlfriend's children hostage at her home.

Deputy Police Chief Mark Kraus tells the American Press (http://bit.ly/QWt03J) the incident happened around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Kraus said police found out that Kendal Runnels came to the home and began arguing with his girlfriend. Her two children, ages 6 and 7, were also home at the time.

At some point, the girlfriend fled the home to call police, but the children remained inside. Kraus said police talked to the suspect for 3 1/2 hours before he allowed the children to leave.

A short time later, Runnel surrendered.

He was booked with two counts of kidnapping and one count of illegal discharge of a firearm.

It was unclear whether he has an attorney.

___

Information from: American Press, http://www.americanpress.com