By: Mike Glesinger and Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post
Update: 11:15 a.m: Press release from Alliance Police Department
Alliance Police Department Responds to Welfare Check, Resolves Incident Peacefully with Multiple Agencies' Assistance Alliance, NE – On November 2nd, 2023, at approximately 1722 hours, Alliance Police Officers responded to a welfare check at Grand Lake Village South. During the welfare check, officers encountered a situation that required a swift and coordinated response.
Upon knocking on the door, an adult female answered the door and brandished a firearm at APD Officers. In response, the officers immediately retreated and took cover. The female in question made threats towards the officers, indicating that she would open fire if they approached any closer.
Located in the residence was the female and a juvenile. The female was identified as Yadira Garza of Alliance. Given the dynamics of the situation and the potential threat to public safety, a shelter-in-place order was issued, and additional law enforcement assistance was requested. At approximately 1745 hours, the Alliance Police Department Tactical Response Team Vehicle (TRTV) was deployed to the scene.
At 1816 hours, the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) SWAT team was activated, along with an NSP Hostage Negotiator. By 2145 hours, the NSP SWAT team had arrived on the scene to assist in the ongoing situation. The collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska Game and Parks, Alliance Fire Department, Alliance Streets Department, Alliance Police Department, Scottsbluff County Sheriff’s Office, Scottsbluff Police Department, and the Western Nebraska Intelligence and Narcotics Group (WING), were instrumental in managing the incident.
At 2348 hours, the situation was resolved peacefully when Yadira voluntarily came out the front door and surrendered. Following her surrender, a search of the residence was conducted, leading to the discovery of the firearm. The juvenile was checked out by Emergency Medical Staff on scene and was unharmed. Yadira was arrested and transported to the Box Butte County Jail.
This incident highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation and the dedication of law enforcement professionals to ensuring the safety of our community. The Alliance Police Department wishes to express its gratitude to all the agencies involved and emphasizes its commitment to protecting the well-being of Alliance residents.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact the City Administration Offices at (308) 762-5400 for any questions or for more information email [email protected]
Friday Nov. 3..6:30 am
The Alliance Police Department is reporting the Hostage situation at the trailer park in south Alliance has resolved with no shots fired and no injuries. APD released the following statement around 12:30 am MT Friday.
"The situation south of town has been resolved and the shelter in place has been lifted. Thank you for keeping clear of the area to allow for a safe resolution. A special thanks to Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, Scottsbluff County Sheriff's Office, Garden County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska State Patrol, Game & Parks, Alliance Fire Department, and all of the dispatchers that assisted.
Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
9 pm Mt..update. Thursday Nov. 2, 2023
Alliance Police are still on the scene of an active situation in the trailer park just off Kansas Street in south Alliance. The area remains blocked off and residents need to stay away from this area.
Eagle Radio News Director Alex Benzegala reports some additional details have been released. According to a statement from the Alliance Police Department, the incident began with a Welfare Check to a residence at the trailer park. When Alliance Police arrived, a women at the home, reportedly pulled a gun on the Officers. The Alliance Police also report there is a hostage in the residence as of 9 pm MT . The Nebraska State Patrol and other Law Enforcement Officers are also on the scene.
The Alliance Police Department has issued an update regarding the Shelter in Place order....The city-wide shelter in place has been reduced to everyone south of Kansas St. between Cody Ave and S. Mississippi. Please stay away from the area to ensure your safety and the safety of all officers and responders working this incident. We will send further updates as they come available. If you did not receive the initial alert, please sign up for CodeRed! Updates will follow when available.
This situation has been ongoing since before 6 pm MT, Thursday evening. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
8 pm Mt...Thursday, November 2, 2023
The Alliance Police Department is on the scene of what is described as an "active situation" in the trailer park just off Kansas Street in South Alliance.
Eagle Radio News Director Alex Benzegala reports that residents of the trailer park have been evacuated and the area is blocked off by Police. Alliance Police have stressed "THIS IS NOT AN ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION". The APD issued a CodeRed message around 6 pm Thursday evening advising residents to shelter in place until the situation has been resolved.
No further details are available at this time.