By Ed Fletcher
efletcher@sacbee.com
The parents of the little boy held hostage for three days during a police standoff at a Sacramento apartment complex thanked local authorities today for getting their 16-month-old son out safely and provided some insight into their ordeal. The standoff ended Friday night when officers shot and killed Anthony Alvarez
"I just want to thank all the agencies involved," Michael Pittman said before a bank of television cameras and members of the media. His wife Alexis was at his side with their young son, Michael Pittman Jr.
The youngster seemed unfazed by the events. During the press conference he alternated between being joyful and fussy never losing his grip on the stuffed lion given to him by the wife of an officer.
Alvarez was Alexis Pittman's cousin. He was suspected in three bank robberies in Contra Costa County and was wanted for questioning in a San Francisco homicide, Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness said at a news conference Saturday. Alvarez also allegedly shot at a police officer during a traffic stop in the Bay Area last week.
When the sheriff's department arrived at the Arden Towne Apartments last week, he took the child hostage.
Michael Pittman said he felt helpless during the standoff and at points considered whether he should try to talk Alverez down, but decided the officers could best handle the situation.
"It was pure joy," Alexis Pittman said of the moment her son was back in her arms.
Call The Bee's Ed Fletcher, (916) 321-1269.
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