SWAT roll ends peacefully as suspect gives himself up

NEW ORLEANS -- A SWAT roll that took place on the West Bank has ended after a 35-year-old man surrendered to police.

Authorities said 35-year-old Anthony Agnew, who had been alone and armed in the house during the SWAT roll, gave himself up around 4:40 p.m. Thursday.

The incident began after Agnew ordered his recently estranged wife and their kids in Westwego into his car around 2 p.m., according to Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman John Fortunato. Fortunato said Agnew then drove them to the 40 block of Robert Drive, at which point the children were let out.

Shortly thereafter the hostage situation ended.

“When the police officers arrived on the scene about five minutes later, the female came out of the home, was uninjured, and the suspect at that point retreated back into the home armed with a handgun, according to the female,” Fortunato said.

About two and a half hours later, as family members beckoned him to do, Agnew came out of the home and surrended.

Agnew was charged with second-degree kidnapping, illegal possession of a firearm and false imprisonment.