Despite moments of small success, Hammer continued to use drugs to cope with his past. At age 19, in January 1978, while high on PCP, Hammer realized he needed help and, hoped to obtain treatment, went to the emergency room at Baptist Hospital where he had been previously hospitalized in their mental health unit. His bizarre behavior attracted the attention of a hospital security guard. Hammer brandished a pistol, believing it was unloaded, shouting, “I need help!” In his drug-induced state, Hammer took 3 people hostage. After hours of failed negotiations, a SWAT team finally caught him and took him in.