An alarming string of text messages sent to police – “I’m gonna get killedd [sic]…dude named Spence he’s holding hostage…I need your help my kids are here” – prompted a S.W.A.T. raid on Sunset Boulevard that ended with a Marion man being charged with kidnapping and uncovered prostitution allegedly occurring in the residence.

On Nov. 30, a man living at 36 Sunset Boulevard texted a Carver police officer that he was being held hostage by Spencer Mello, 26, of 968 Point Road, Marion.

A lengthy standoff ended with Mello’s arrest early on Dec. 1. On that same day, Mello was arraigned on a kidnapping charge and held on $10,000 cash bail.

Police documents filed in Wareham District Court say the victim was in sporadic communication with police, which included a hostage negotiator and officers with the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council S.W.A.T., from 12:45 a.m. on Nov. 30 to 2:45 a.m. on Dec. 1.

In the home at the time were the victim’s wife, his two children, who are 5 and 7 years old, another man from East Wareham and Jaimee Morris, a 27-year-old homeless woman. Morris was arrested on a default warrant unrelated to the alleged kidnapping.

According to court documents, the victim sounded afraid on the phone, whispering to police that he feared for his life and that Mello possessed drugs and was armed.

Police said they found a black hatchet in the home but no other weapons. No one was injured during the incident.

Police tried to contact the residents upon arrival, but their attempts were ignored as those inside turned off lights and locked doors. After armored S.W.A.T. vehicles arrived on the scene, Mello and others exited the home.

Police documents state those involved said there was no issue, and the victim’s wife denied there was any trouble.

While being questioned, Mello reportedly said he arrived at the house earlier in the day and spent the evening “drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana” with those inside.

When police arrived, the documents state “[Mello] didn’t answer the door because he thought it was a police raid and was nervous. He claimed that was the same reason nobody else answered the door.”

According to court documents, the man who originally contacted police was brought back to the station where he thanked officers for saving his life. However, he declined to offer specific information, saying he feared for his safety and the safety of his family.

Police questioned a second man at the scene who was seen leaving through a backdoor. Court documents say that man was there to see Morris after making arrangements with Mello, who was described as her “pimp” in court documents. Court reports say the man left after having intercourse with Morris.

Morris was described as hiding between a bed and the wall covered in blankets when police and officials from the Department of Children and Family returned to check on the children’s welfare at 5:30 a.m.

Court documents say Morris would not speak with officers and denied being in the home during the incident.

Mello is scheduled to appear in court again on Dec. 15 and to have no contact with the victim.

Mello has a prior police record. In January 2015, Mello was arrested after a months-long joint investigation between the Mattapoisett and Barnstable Police Departments for selling drugs.

Throughout the investigation narcotics officers conducted multiple controlled purchases of heroin. Search warrants netted approximately 14 grams of heroin and approximately 14 grams of cocaine, some of which was already packaged for distribution.

In addition to the heroin and cocaine, Mello was allegedly found in possession of ammunition, a large capacity magazine, a bullet proof tactical vest, brass knuckles, digital scales, packaging material and a commercial grade money counter.