By Alex Benzegala
Panhandle Post
After a nearly 29-hour standoff in Gering, 37-year-old Bradley Garcia is in custody after a female hostage who was Garcia's Sister-in-law was released on Wednesday afternoon at about 1:30. Shortly before 8:30 p.m on Wednesday, Garcia was arrested and taken to Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff with minor injuries, as there were no major injuries in this incident.
Garcia was arrested after reported flash bangs and percussions at the house on 2300 block of 19th Street in Gering. The incident began with traffic stop and a pursuit leading to the 29-hour standoff. Gering Public Schools announced that they are reopening schools are having classes on Thursday.
Panhandle Post will provide any additional information that law enforcement provides in the case.
Press release from Gering Police Department (11:30 a.m Wed)
On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, a Scotts Bluff County Deputy attempted to stop a vehicle in Gering for a traffic violation. The driver, later identified as Bradley Garcia, age 37, refused to stop. A brief pursuit ensued that included Gering Police, ending when Garcia crashed his car into a garage in the 2300 block of 19th Street in Gering.
Garcia discharged a firearm towards the Deputy’s vehicle during the pursuit but did not strike the vehicle. Garcia then entered the home and took the three female occupants hostage.
Eventually, he allowed two juvenile females to leave the house unharmed, but the adult female remains inside. As the situation continued, Garcia fired multiple gunshots towards officers from more than one weapon. No officers or citizens were injured, and no rounds were fired by law enforcement.
9:00 Tue: Previous story: Details are still emerging about a standoff and hostage situation in Gering on Tuesday afternoon.
Gering Public Schools went on lockdown a little before 3:30 and then transitioned a controlled release for Geil and Lincoln Elementary, and the Middle School. Gering High School had a controlled release at about 5:00.
Gering Police say that shots were fired as Scotts Bluff Sheriff deputies pursued an individual down Five Rocks Road, where the suspect led them to a home with children near Kings Road and 19th Street. The children were reportedly released at 5:25.
Scottsbluff Police officers assisted on the scene, along with the State Patrol and National Park Service, the Scotts Bluff County SWAT Team and the Scottsbluff Police Bomb Squad trailer with remote-control robots.
More information will continue to be released as authorities have details ready to release to the public.