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May 16, 2008 - 8:23AM
Updated: May 16, 2008 - 11:17PM
Mesa standoff ends with capture of felon
Comments | RecommendGary Grado, Tribune
Negotiators and pepper spray didn't work to force a wanted felon out of hiding in the attic of a Mesa motel. But when he partially fell through the ceiling, officers pounced.
Adam Boston, 24, was arrested about 11 a.m. Friday after a nine-hour standoff at the Regency Inn, 1302 W. Main St.
"The officers were able to pull him down and take him into custody," said Detective Steve Berry, Mesa police spokesman.
The standoff spurred police to close Main Street in both directions between Alma School Road and Longmore. The surrounding area, including motels and other businesses, was evacuated along with the Regency's guests.
Police blocked entry to much of the parking lot that serves a Fry's supermarket and other stores across the street. They borrowed a Mesa firetruck and posted officers at the top of the ladder to observe the roof of the motel.
Berry said Mesa police got involved at the request of police from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, who had information that Boston was staying at the motel.
According to court records, Boston was wanted on a probation violation for failing to report to his probation officer after he was released from prison in February.
Mesa patrol and SWAT officers knocked on the door, but got no response. Instead, they heard a commotion inside.
SWAT officers released pepper spray into the attic, and negotiators also tried persuading him to come out using a public address system. Police later got a call from someone in another room reporting that a man had fallen through the ceiling. With parts of his body sticking through, officers grabbed him and sprayed him with pepper spray.
According to court and prison records, Boston was released from prison in February after serving five years for aggravated assault and drunken driving. In that case, he ran a red light at McKellips Road and Mesa Drive and collided with another car.
He then handed his 8-month-old son to a stranger and ran.
"Mr. Boston was said to have a violent history," Berry said.
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