Body cam shows Surprise Police go into barricaded home to rescue baby who'd been shot
SURPRISE, Ariz. - Body camera video shows the intense moments when Surprise Police officers went into a barricaded home to rescue a baby who had been shot several times.
The Surprise Police Department wrapped up a press conference on Monday afternoon, releasing more details on a May 17 hostage situation ending with a house in flames and the suspect taking his own life.
This is a crime that’s rattled this community. The whole day was chaotic within the often-quiet neighborhood.
The baby is recovering from gunshots after police say his own father shot him.
In the newly released body cam footage of the baby's rescue, you can see officers grabbing seven-month-old baby Jaxson from the home.
Cell phone video captures the moment from the angle of the upstairs balcony. Officers in tactical gear surrounded the home, armed with weapons.
Investigators say 51-year-old Todd Christopher Marcheti, identified as the father of Jaxson, broke into the child’s mother’s home around 3 a.m. with a machete and would not let them leave.
Watch the full May 20 press conference:
Baby shot, house in flames: Surprise PD details tragic incident
Watch the full press conference by Surprise Police days after a baby was shot, a man took his own life and a house erupted in flames following a barricade incident in the west Valley. Police held the press conference on Monday, May 20 after the May 17 incident.
Tune in to FOX 10 Phoenix for the latest news:
Police say Jaxson’s mom, Allie, had left Marchetti and believe this incident was about power and control.
Investigators say Allie escaped and ran to a construction crew who helped her call for help. Police arrived, and fearing for the baby’s safety, forced entry into the home.
Jaxson was shot multiple times in his lower limbs. Crews airlifted him to Phoenix Children’s Hospital where he’s undergone three operations.
Jaxson, police say, is doing OK.
SWAT teams tried to negotiate with Marchetti when a fire started from inside the home. Once it was safe for crews to enter, they found Marchetti dead.
The fire is still under investigation.
First responders praise Allie for her quick, life-saving actions.
"The biggest hero of the day is Allie, Jaxson’s mom," said Surprise Fire Chief Brenden Espie. "
Jaxson’s family told police that he does not cry. The fact that he called out to officers is being thought of as a little miracle.
'We love him. We need him in our life'
Michael Norman says his grandson was shot several times and is defying the odds.
"He was shot in the foot. He was shot in the shoulder, which went through his abdomen and out his back. Then he was shot somewhere around the wrist area," Norman said.
He was in shock to see his house on TV burning to the ground while on a cruise vacation, and in even more shock to hear his grandson survived the shooting.
"When we got the call on the ship, and they said Jaxson was shot four times, I didn't expect to hear 'he's alive and he's OK. He's at children's hospital.' Never dreamed that, that those words were going to come out of somebody's mouth," he said.
It's a long road to recovery.
"He's having an MRI. They're trying to make sure that his intestines and everything are clear of any lead," Norman said.
Jaxson is in good spirits.
"He's awake. He'll open his eyes and rub his head and, you know, tell him we love them, and he blinks," the grandfather said.
As for Jaxson's mom, Allie, she's holding up as best she can.
"She's troubled by the whole thing. She's having nightmares. Not able to sleep. She sees Todd in her sleep," he said.
Norman doesn't want to speak too much about Marcheti, but said he suffered from bipolar disorder, used drugs and "was a lunatic."
Norman says their family is without a roof over their heads, but their priority remains on Jaxson's recovery.
"He's alive. He's doing good. We love him. We need him in our life, and so, we're thankful," Norman said.
The family is hopeful that Jaxson will make a full recovery.
--
Help is available. If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call or text 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to civilians and veterans. Support in Spanish is also available. You can also chat with crisis counselors via online chat.
CLICK HERE for the warning signs and risk factors of suicide.