By Alex Benzegala
Panhandle Post
The man who allegedly led law enforcement to a pursuit and held a woman hostage in standoff that lasted close to 29 hours was booked early Thursday morning to the Scotts Bluff County Jail. 37-year-old Bradley Garcia faces charges of Attempted Second Degree Murder, which includes multiple counts as a result of firing at officers. Kidnapping, Possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, Terroristic Threats, Use of a firearm to commit a felony, flight to avoid arrest and Child abuse.
The final decision on charges will be made by The Scotts Bluff County Attorney’s Office.
Press release on Thursday, Sept. 28, Gering, Scotts Bluff County Sheriff
On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, members of the FBI Hostage Rescue and SWAT teams took action that resulted in the rescue of the hostage in this incident. After the hostage was rescued, FBI negotiators and tactical personnel made continual, unsuccessful attempts to communicate with Bradley Garcia so he would surrender. Garcia had gained access to areas behind walls and within the attic. The teams eventually deployed chemical agents, which caused Garcia to emerge from where he was hiding, and he was taken into custody. He was transported to Regional West Medical Center, and following medical clearance he was housed at the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center. Firearms were recovered from the house.
During this incident, residents heard multiple loud detonations as the teams used various munitions and equipment. However, no shots were fired by any law enforcement personnel at any time during this incident.
FBI involvement
The FBI provided tactical assistance to help resolve the hostage situation safely and apprehend the subject. SWAT teams and negotiators from the Omaha and Denver field offices, as well as the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team out of Quantico, worked with our state and local partners to bring the incident to a safe conclusion. FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “We are grateful for our strong partnership with the Scotts Bluff Sheriff's Department, Gering Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, and every other agency which participated. Every agency brought a unique skill set which contributed to a successful outcome. We work closely with our state and local partners in Nebraska to protect the community from violent criminal activity. This operation was a great example of how teamwork between law enforcement agencies is critical during life-threatening incidents.”