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FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Police say at this hour local resident Carlos Sanchez, who has been down on his luck amidst a storm of self-doubt and personal loathing in recent weeks, is sadly holding hostage his inner happiness, limitless potential, and four to six of his neighbors inside a north-side house.

Witnesses reported seeing Sanchez, brandishing what appeared to be a shotgun, dramatically and forcefully enter the Braden family’s home in the 700 block of Franklin Avenue.  Police suspect the 34-year-old Fort Wayne resident then took captive his potential to do great things in life and at least four members of the Braden family, who reside next door to Sanchez on the city’s north side.

According to family members, Sanchez is a talented but wayward illustrator who has fallen on hard times after losing his job last month. Moments after 7 a.m. this morning, the unemployed cartoonist allegedly took up to six lifelong goals captive, one of which has been confirmed to be less than two years old.

“This isn’t about a man holding a family hostage with a shotgun,” said Fort Wayne Police Chief Howard Groom. “This is about a man holding himself hostage and imprisoning his own happiness with the powerful gun of self-deprecation.

“Our wish is that Sanchez and his hopes and dreams come out of that home unscathed,” continued Groom. “Our main concern is for the safety of those innocent and fragile feelings and talents currently fighting for their lives in this gifted, unfortunate gunman’s soul.”

Friends and family hope the standoff, which is entering its sixth hour, will end soon and all of Sanchez’s hidden joy and artistic potential will walk out of the Braden house unharmed.

One friend noticed a difference in Sanchez in the past 24 hours.

“Since he got turned down for an interview for that illustrating position yesterday it’s like he’s just holding all of his creativity captive,” said Jeff Moore, Sanchez’s friend. “His creativity and his neighbors.”

Police were unable to offer any explanation as to why Sanchez chose to take his joy and creative aptitude hostage in the Bradens’ home, but did confirm all of Sanchez’s prospective cheer and professional aspirations are currently unharmed.