It appears Jason Larry Burns of Gadsden went to his ex-girlfriend’s mother’s home in Lauderdale County, and took her by force. He then called his ex-girlfriend telling her he had kidnapped her mother and would kill her if she didn’t meet with him. The ex-girlfriend notified the Lauderdale Sheriff’s department who went to the victim’s home and found evidence of forced entry with no one inside.

A short time later, investigators began monitoring phone calls between Burns and his ex-girlfriend. Burns threatened to kill the hostage and commit suicide by cop if law enforcement attempted to stop him.

Burns was monitored returning to his home in Gadsden. Law enforcement officers converged at that residence, where they were able to rescue the hostage and take the suspect into custody.

Burns, the sheriff said, is believed to have ingested narcotics in an overdose attempt. He was taken to a Gadsden hospital where he is currently being guarded by Lauderdale County deputies.

Burns is charged with first-degree burglary and first-degree kidnapping. The sheriff said the investigation is ongoing and more charges are pending.

Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in the investigation, including FBI negotiators and the FBI’s hostage rescue team, the U.S. Marshall’s Gulf Coast Region, Fugitive Task Force, ALEA’s SWAT and aviation teams, Florence and Gadsden police officers, and deputies with Lawrence County, Cullman County, Marshall County, and Etowah County.