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UPDATE: Deputies in standoff with kidnapping suspect, according to reports

Ex-sheriff charged as Reno accomplice in elderly kidnapping
Posted at 9:41 PM, Aug 15, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-16 08:44:37-04

UPDATE 10:15 P.M. A kidnapping suspect who took his mother from a care facility in Nevada is believed to be held up in a Bellflower apartment, authorities confirmed.

ABC 7 reports, the standoff with the suspect was reported by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department around 8 p.m.

READ MORE ON ABC 7

Watch video above the apartment in Bellflower:

Reno police say 80-year-old Susan Hillygus was removed from a senior care facility in Reno by her adult son, Roger Eugene Hillygus, age 52.

Susan suffers severe dementia and is ambulatory but not communicative and is in need of professional care and medication Roger does not have access to.

Police say Susan is currently under the legal guardianship of family members, not Roger, who has no legal authority to move Hillygus.

ORIGINAL STORY

RENO (AP) — Reno police have arrested a former Mineral County sheriff accused of being an accomplice in the suspected kidnapping of an 80-year-old woman by her son at a senior care facility last week.

Police said Thursday they believe 59-year-old Stewart Handte helped 52-year-old Roger Hillygus kidnap Sue Hillygus.

Police are still looking for Roger and Sue Hillygus, who suffers from dementia and is under the guardianship of other family members.

Handte was booked him into the Washoe County Jail Wednesday for suspicion of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping of an elderly victim.

Police say Handte entered the care home off Robb Drive Aug. 8 with Roger Hillygus, provided false information to staff and assisted in unlawfully removing the victim.

It's not clear if he has a lawyer.

Secret Witness is offering a $1,500 reward for information in the case.