Police: Md. man who held toddler hostage had history of violence

SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — Authorities say a Maryland man who was fatally shot by police this week during a hostage situation had a history of domestic violence.

The Washington Post reports Jean Perez’s ex-girlfriend told authorities last year that she needed a restraining order against him. Court records say she said Perez smashed her belongings, dragged and kicked her and pushed her down steps.

Police say those same violent tendencies prompted the 30-year-old, also known as John Carlos Natera-Perez, to barricade himself in that ex-girlfriend’s home Monday and hold their 3-year-old son hostage.

Montgomery County Police say the ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend fled the home, and Perez locked himself inside with the toddler. Hours later, Perez set a fire and the toddler screamed. SWAT then fatally wounded Perez. The toddler wasn’t hurt.

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Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com

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