Standoff with armed man in Gering ends after 30 hours
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (KNEP) - A standoff that began Tuesday afternoon in Gering finally came to an end Wednesday night with an armed and wanted man arrested.
According to a joint news release from the Gering Police Department and the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff, it all started around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday when a Scotts Bluff County deputy tried to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation. The driver, later identified as 37-year-old Bradley Garcia, refused to stop. A brief pursuit ensued that included Gering Police but ended when Garcia crashed his car into a garage near 19th Street and Kings Road, which is near Gering High School. Authorities said Garcia shot at a deputy’s vehicle during the chase, but didn’t strike the vehicle.
Area law enforcement said Garcia entered the home and took three people, including two children. During negotiations, police said he released the two children first and a woman several hours later.
Police said Garcia fired multiple gunshots toward officers from more than one weapon and as of Wednesday evening, no injuries had been reported.
Negotiators and tactical teams from Scotts Bluff County, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the FBI were all involved. The FBI is leading the investigation.
Gering Public Schools cancelled classes for all buildings Wednesday.
“Out of an abundance of caution and because the stand-off incident near Gering High School still remains active, Gering Public Schools is canceling school for all buildings Wednesday, September 27th. The safety of our staff and students is priority and we encourage families to respect the areas and boundaries marked by law enforcement. We will make an early afternoon decision regarding after-school activity practices based on continued evaluation and communication with law enforcement and update families accordingly.”
Stay with NBC Nebraska for updates on this developing story.
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