Standoff escalates after shots fired; suspect now in custody

LUFKIN — A man is in custody after a shots-fired call escalated into an hours-long standoff at a home in the 500 block of Hemlock Street, according to Lufkin police. A’Mario Gerbrekidan, 34, is charged with possession of body armor by a felon, felony possession of a controlled substance, possession of controlled substance, and an illegal weapon offense, according Police Chief Travis Brazil.

The serial number had been removed from the weapon, police said. Officers responded to the call at 5:30 a.m. Thursday to a report of shots fired. When officers heard a gunshot, that is when Gerbrekidan barricaded himself in the home. Lufkin SWAT team was called to assist, and began negotiations.

“Extensive negotiations were attempted, but were unsuccessful,” Brazil said.

Several gas canisters were deployed into the home, after several hours of failed negotiations. Gerbrekidan finally exited the residence, and surrendered without injury to himself or law enforcement, according to police. The SWAT team was assisted by the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Highway Patrol, and Texas Rangers.

“The Lufkin Police Department took this situation slow and methodical,” Brazil said. “Every step in these situations has to be well thought through to ensure the safety of citizens, officers and the suspects.

“Loss of life is never the answer, and we want to avoid that outcome if at all possible,” he said. “The officers of the Lufkin Police Department train for these situations, and it definitely paid off today.”