The Phoenix police chief has been rescued from a group of armed bounty hunters, who surrounded his home on Tuesday evening. The men were reportedly looking for a fugitive. 

Phoenix Chief of Police Joe Yahner was sleeping at his residence when an armed man appeared at his doorstep and loudly insisted that he steps out of the house. Yahner realized that there were other armed men surrounding his home. The half naked police chief opened the door and confronted the bondsmen.

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The bounty hunters were reportedly looking for an African-American man who jumped bail.

Fortunately, Yahner's girlfriend was able to call for help and moments later, policemen were able to rescue them from the armed men.

The responding law enforcers arrested members of the NorthStar Fugitive Recovery and Delta One Tactical Recovery. One of the men arrested has been identified as NorthStar proprietor Brent Farley.

Phoenix police spokesperson Trent Crump said the police chief's years of service proved invaluable in his ability to take command of the situation.

The arrested bounty hunters told police investigators that they surrounded the chief's home because they received a Facebook tip that a fugitive was hiding in the house.

The police spokesperson said the bounty hunters did not bother to verify the tip and avoid the potentially deadly confrontation.

Further investigation have revealed that Farley is not a licensed bounty hunter. Arizona's Insurance Department spokesperson Andrew Carlson confirmed the findings.

The spokesperson said there are several requirements that must be met before becoming a bounty hunter is licensed. An applicant must be 18 years of age or above and have no record that may compromise his eligibility to become a legal bounty hunter.

Apparently, Farley has a number of criminal records but still has the legal right to own guns. As of press time, Farley and members of his family have refused to grant interview requests to reporters.

The former head of Arizona Bail Bondsmen, Joe Burns, said Arizona should enact a law that will regulate the activities of bounty hunters. States like California have already put rules in place for those who would like to apply as bounty hunters.

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